Gourmet Crab and Shrimp Pasta

Craving a restaurant-quality seafood pasta that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare? Look no further than this exquisite Shrimp and Crab Pasta. This delightful dish transforms fresh seafood and pantry staples into a gourmet experience in under 30 minutes. Imagine succulent shrimp and tender crab meat, perfectly tossed with aromatic garlic, juicy tomatoes, and a rich, buttery sauce, then crowned with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s the ultimate weeknight indulgence that feels like a special occasion, bringing sophisticated flavors right to your dining table without the fuss.

This Shrimp and Crab Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s often hailed as a family favorite, frequently requested for birthdays and celebrated on special occasions. Its reputation might suggest a complex culinary endeavor, but the reality is wonderfully different. This entire feast comes together in less than half an hour, effortlessly transforming an ordinary weeknight into an extraordinary dining event. The harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and a simple preparation method proves that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly memorable.

Irresistible Crab & Shrimp Pasta: A Family Favorite

This recipe holds a special place among our most beloved pasta dishes. It features perfectly cooked, tender pasta combined with plump shrimp and delicate crab, all bathed in a captivating sauce. The result is a quick yet remarkably satisfying dinner that seafood enthusiasts will undoubtedly adore. But what makes this dish even better? The fact that crab and shrimp pasta leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so, the next day!

The magic of this easy dinner recipe truly lies in its core ingredients: rich butter, pungent garlic, savory Parmesan cheese, and bright, fresh tomatoes. These elements come together to create a symphony of flavors that will impress anyone you serve it to. We enjoy seafood often in our home, and this dish is a testament to its versatility. You have the flexibility to use either fresh or imitation crab, and either cooked or uncooked shrimp, adapting the recipe to your preferences and what’s readily available.

If you’re a fan of the delectable combination of crab and cheese, you’ll be thrilled to explore these other fantastic recipes: Slow-Cooker Crab Dip, Crab Rangoon Dip, and Alaskan Snow Crab Macaroni and Cheese. Each offers a unique way to enjoy the delightful taste of crab in comforting, cheesy goodness.

Effortless Gourmet: The Easy Shrimp & Crab Pasta

This shrimp and crab pasta recipe offers an incredibly easy pathway to bringing gourmet flavors into your kitchen. What’s even better is that it’s a guaranteed hit, even with the pickiest eaters among children! This pasta is characterized by its exceptionally rich, buttery flavor profile. It’s wonderfully creamy, delightfully cheesy, and boasts a luxuriously silky texture without ever feeling heavy, unlike many Alfredo-based sauces. This dish truly embodies comfort food at its most refined, offering a comforting embrace with every forkful.

The secret to its balanced richness lies in a careful combination of fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Unlike heavy cream sauces that can overwhelm the delicate flavors of seafood, this recipe utilizes butter and savory seasonings to create a light yet deeply satisfying coating for the pasta, shrimp, and crab. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can be transformed into an elegant and comforting meal that everyone will crave again and again.

Essential Ingredients for Pasta with Shrimp and Crab

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable seafood pasta. While the complete, printable recipe card with precise measurements is available at the bottom of this post, here’s a closer look at the key components that make this dish shine:

• Pasta: While I typically opt for classic spaghetti noodles for their ability to perfectly capture the sauce, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape! Linguine, fettuccine, or even a short pasta like penne or rotini would work wonderfully, each offering a slightly different texture experience.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil provides a robust flavor foundation that beautifully complements the seafood and other aromatics in this dish. It adds a subtle depth and richness that butter alone cannot achieve.
• Butter: Butter is crucial for amplifying the rich, savory notes of the garlic and onion, creating a luxurious base for our sauce. Both salted or unsalted butter will work; just adjust the added sea salt accordingly.
• Mrs. Dash Seasoning: I specifically use the Tomato, Basil, and Garlic blend. This seasoning provides a convenient burst of Italian-inspired flavor without added salt, allowing you to control the sodium content. It’s widely available at most local grocery stores or can be purchased online. If you don’t have Mrs. Dash, a combination of dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes can serve as a suitable alternative.
• Onion: Freshly diced onion is essential for building a flavorful base. Yellow or white onions are my preferred choices for their mild sweetness when sautéed until translucent, which forms a perfect aromatic backbone for the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable here. It infuses the entire pasta dish with an incredible depth of flavor that dried or jarred garlic simply cannot replicate. Aim for finely minced garlic to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the sauce.
• Shrimp: You can use either precooked or raw (fresh or frozen and defrosted) shrimp for this recipe. If using raw shrimp, ensure they are peeled, deveined, and cooked through until they turn pink and opaque. This ensures safety and optimal texture.
• Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes, along with their juice, provide a rich, slightly acidic counterpoint to the buttery sauce and seafood. While canned is convenient, fresh diced tomatoes (such as Roma or cherry tomatoes) can also be used for a brighter, garden-fresh flavor when in season.
• Crab: I’ve successfully used imitation crab meat for its convenience and affordability in this recipe. However, if you have access to fresh crab meat – especially if you live in an area where it’s plentiful – I highly encourage you to use the real thing for an unparalleled flavor and texture experience. Lump crab meat is ideal for its substantial pieces.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty, and umami finish that elevates the entire dish. A wedge of good quality Parmesan that you grate yourself will offer the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated Parmesan is an acceptable alternative if that’s what you have on hand, but fresh is always superior for melting and taste.

Crafting Your Delight: How to Make Crab and Shrimp Pasta

You’ll be amazed at how quickly and effortlessly this restaurant-quality recipe comes together, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still crave something special. Follow these simple steps to create a truly unforgettable seafood pasta:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta. Begin by boiling your chosen pasta according to the package directions. It’s crucial to cook it until it’s perfectly al dente – meaning it’s firm to the bite, not mushy. This ensures the pasta holds up well to the sauce and provides a pleasing texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. You might reserve a little pasta water if you like, as it can be used later to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics. While your pasta cooks, begin building the flavorful sauce. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, combine 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil, half a stick of butter (1/4 cup), 2 teaspoons of Mrs. Dash Tomato, Basil, and Garlic seasoning, 1/2 cup of diced onion, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Place the skillet over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and gently sauté the spices with the onion and garlic for about three minutes. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing its sweet aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can turn it bitter.

Step 3: Add the Shrimp. Introduce the shrimp to the skillet. If using raw shrimp, cook them until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes only 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size. If using precooked shrimp, simply toss them in for a minute or two to warm through, being careful not to overcook them, as this can make them rubbery.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes and Crab. Next, add the 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the skillet, stirring well to combine all the flavors. Then, gently stir in the crab meat. Allow the mixture to warm through for a couple of minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated and heated. Finally, season with sea salt to taste. Remember to start with a little and add more if needed, as the seasoning and Parmesan cheese will also contribute to the saltiness.

Step 5: Combine and Serve. Add the drained, cooked pasta to the skillet along with the remaining half stick of butter. Toss all the ingredients together gently until the butter is completely melted and the pasta is thoroughly coated in the rich, buttery seafood sauce and warmed through. Serve the Shrimp and Crab Pasta immediately in pasta bowls, generously topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil wouldn’t hurt either for a touch of color and extra aroma.

This shrimp and crab recipe is not only fantastic fresh but also perfect for enjoying as leftovers! Simply transfer any remaining pasta into an airtight storage container and refrigerate for up to three to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, or microwave until heated through.

Love it? Pin it!

Don’t let this incredibly simple and delicious Shrimp & Crab Pasta recipe get lost in your bookmarks! Make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go, so you can easily find it whenever a seafood craving strikes. It’s a dish you’ll want to revisit again and again!

More Pasta Recipes To Love

Pasta is a staple in our home, offering endless possibilities for delicious and comforting meals. Its versatility means there’s always a new way to enjoy it, whether you’re looking for a hearty baked dish or a light, fresh skillet creation. If you enjoyed this Shrimp and Crab Pasta, you’ll definitely want to explore these other cherished favorites from our kitchen before you leave:

• Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs: A classic comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
• Smoked Salmon Pasta: An elegant and flavorful option for a quick yet impressive meal.
• Creamy Baked Chicken Pasta with Bacon: Rich, creamy, and undeniably satisfying, packed with savory bacon and tender chicken.
• Pasta Pomodoro: A vibrant and fresh pasta dish that highlights the simplicity and beauty of ripe tomatoes.
• Or, for a comforting twist on a classic, try my Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup recipe, pictured above, offering all the flavors of chicken parm in a warm, soothing bowl.

Each of these recipes provides a unique and delicious way to enjoy pasta, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to cook up in your kitchen.

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Print Recipe

Shrimp and Crab Pasta

Craving seafood pasta without the hassle? This easy Shrimp & Crab Pasta looks fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes! Tossed in a rich, buttery sauce with garlic, tomatoes, and Parmesan, it’s packed with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal at home. Simple ingredients, restaurant-quality taste! Save this recipe for your next seafood night.

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Course: Pasta

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 20 minute meal, pasta with imitation crab, Shrimp and Crab Pasta, skillet meal, without alfredo sauce

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 89 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

• Mrs. Dash Tomato Basil Garlic, 2.0oz
• Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black

Ingredients

• 3-4 Tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Mrs. Dash Tomato, Basil and Garlic Seasoning
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, divided
• 1 14 ounce can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• sea salt to taste
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 12 – 16 ounces of cooked shrimp, peeled and tails removed, defrosted if frozen
• 1 16 ounce package of imitation crab meat (or the real thing), cut in chunks
• 1 16 ounce package pasta noodles, cooked al dente
• fresh Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

1. Boil your pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, add 3 Tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 cup (1/2 of 1 stick) of butter, Mrs. Dash seasoning, diced onion, and minced garlic. On medium heat, melt the butter and spices together, cooking for about 3 minutes, or until your onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and stir. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque if raw, or just warmed through if precooked. Add in the diced tomatoes. Stir in the crab meat. Sprinkle with sea salt to taste and warm through gently.
4. Add the cooked pasta and the remaining butter to the skillet. Toss the ingredients together until the butter is melted and the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce and warm.
5. Serve immediately in pasta bowls, topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Use raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, with the tails removed if you prefer. Cook until the shrimp are pink in color.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 0.3mg

This recipe was originally posted on October 5, 2011, making it one of the very first recipes shared on my website! It has since been updated to enhance user experience and was reshared on March 4, 2025, ensuring it remains a timeless favorite.