Decadent Shrimp & Crab Pasta

Prepare to be swept away by the exquisite flavors of this Decadent Shrimp & Crab Pasta! This dish is a seafood lover’s dream, combining plump, tender shrimp and delicate, sweet crab meat with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich, velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an elegant yet surprisingly simple meal that brings the sophistication of a fine dining experience right to your kitchen table. The harmonious blend of fresh seafood and a luscious sauce makes every forkful an absolute delight, perfect for a special occasion, a romantic dinner, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something truly extraordinary. Get ready for an indulgent culinary journey that’s easier to create than you might imagine!

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces (about 340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine are excellent choices)
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Seafood:

• ½ pound (about 225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ pound (about 225g) crab meat (lump or claw meat, picked clean of shells)

For the Cream Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish & Flavor Boost:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
   • Add the pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine) and cook according to package directions until perfectly al dente.
   • Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
   • While the pasta is cooking, begin the sauce. In a large skillet (or a wide, deep pot for easier tossing later) melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
   • Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter.
   • Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook, as this can make them tough and rubbery.
   • Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. This prevents them from overcooking in the sauce.
4. Build the Cream Sauce:
   • Pour the 1 cup of heavy cream into the same skillet (no need to clean it, the shrimp and garlic drippings add flavor!).
   • Bring the cream to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has slightly thickened.
   • Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
   • Add the crab meat to the sauce, gently stirring to combine.
   • Season the sauce generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes now. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine and Serve:
   • Add the drained, cooked pasta back into the skillet with the creamy sauce and crab meat.
   • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
   • Gently toss all the ingredients until the pasta and seafood are fully coated in the decadent cream sauce.
   • Serve immediately in shallow bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips, Variations, and Storage:

• Quality Seafood: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp and crab meat for the best flavor. If using frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry.
• Crab Meat Type: Lump crab meat offers larger, more tender pieces, while claw meat is more economical and still very flavorful. Always pick through crab meat carefully to ensure no shell fragments remain.
• Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water! It’s a chef’s secret for adjusting sauce consistency and helping the sauce cling to the pasta.
• Wine Pairing: A splash of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) can be added to the pan after the garlic, reducing it slightly before adding the cream for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Sauté some finely chopped shallots, a handful of fresh spinach, or a few sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic for added depth and color. Add spinach at the very end to wilt.
• Herbaceous: Fresh basil or dill would also be delicious herbs to garnish with.
• Storage: This dish is best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate nature of seafood and cream sauces. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat very gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Pairings:

• Wine: A crisp, dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a light Chardonnay would be an ideal pairing.
• Bread: Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up every drop of the exquisite sauce.
• Salad: A simple, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing balance to the rich pasta.
• Vegetable Side: Steamed asparagus or lightly sautéed green beans complement the seafood beautifully.

Quick Info:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: Italian-American / Seafood
• Effort Level: Medium