If you are anything like me and crave rich, creamy seafood dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, then this Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s a luscious, satisfying casserole that combines tender shrimp and sweet lump crab meat with silky Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This dish balances comfort and elegance effortlessly, making it perfect for family dinners or impressing guests without fussing too much in the kitchen. Just one bite and you’ll understand why this Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe holds a special place in my recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, and color to create a dish that’s as visually inviting as it is delicious.
- Pasta (1 lb fettuccine or penne): Choose your favorite pasta shape as the perfect base to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Medium shrimp (1 lb), peeled and deveined: Adds a succulent, slightly sweet seafood bite that pairs wonderfully with crab.
- Lump crab meat (1 cup), drained and flaked: Delivers delicate texture and subtle ocean freshness.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Essential for sautéing garlic and starting the rich Alfredo sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves), minced: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant foundation.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): Creates that signature velvety richness in the Alfredo bake.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup), grated: Brings a salty, nutty sharpness that deepens the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup), shredded: Melts beautifully, contributing gooey texture and golden color.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming them.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a mild heat that wakes up the palate.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): Offers a subtle kick for those who like a little spice.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp): Introduces classic herb notes that tie the dish together.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp), chopped: A bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a crispy, golden topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.
How to Make Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cooking the pasta until al dente is crucial here as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. Drain and set it aside, ready to mingle with the seafood and sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Cook Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, releasing that irresistible garlic aroma. Toss the shrimp into the pan and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them carefully to avoid overcooking.
Step 3: Create the Alfredo Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the same skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, followed by salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency – around 4 to 5 minutes. This step is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into creamy indulgence.
Step 4: Combine Seafood, Pasta, and Sauce
Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently fold in the flaked crab meat along with the cooked pasta. Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning and stir everything together carefully, making sure each piece of pasta is coated with that creamy, cheesy sauce.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. For that irresistible golden crust, sprinkle breadcrumbs and extra mozzarella cheese on top if you like. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the topping is beautifully browned.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, give your Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe a finishing touch with chopped fresh parsley. This adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances all the richness in the dish.
How to Serve Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a simple yet elegant way to brighten the appearance and flavor of the bake. If you want to get a little fancy, a few lemon zest curls or a dash of smoked paprika also pair nicely, adding complexity and vibrancy.
Side Dishes
Because this Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe is rich and filling, pairing it with light, crisp sides works beautifully. Consider a green salad with vinaigrette or steamed asparagus. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this bake straight from the casserole dish for family-style comfort, or scoop portions onto warmed plates, topped with extra fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon on the side for an elegant touch. Individual ramekins can make for a stunning presentation, especially when entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rich flavors will have melded beautifully overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe freezes well. After baking and cooling completely, portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the bake with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, but baking helps maintain that delightful baked crust and creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh crab meat instead of canned or frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh lump crab meat will elevate the freshness and flavor of the dish even more. Just ensure it’s well-drained and gently folded in to keep those delicate chunks intact.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Heavy cream really gives that classic Alfredo indulgence.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely for the topping. The sauce and seafood naturally contain no gluten.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a subtle warmth, not overwhelming heat. Feel free to adjust the amount or skip them if you prefer no spice at all.
What’s the best way to prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and start to curl, usually 2-3 minutes per side. They will continue to cook slightly in the sauce and oven, so pulling them out early ensures tender, juicy shrimp.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together, fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a craving for comfort food elevated to seafood heaven, this bake delivers every time. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the cozy, indulgent flavors of this truly delightful recipe.
Print
Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake is a creamy, indulgent seafood pasta casserole featuring tender shrimp and lump crab meat enveloped in a rich Alfredo sauce with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden brown, it makes a perfect cozy dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb fettuccine or penne pasta
Seafood
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup lump crab meat, drained and flaked
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Toppings & Garnish
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be combined later.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses along with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Continue stirring for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Seafood and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently fold in the lump crab meat and cooked pasta. Add dried Italian seasoning and stir until everything is well combined and evenly coated with sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the shrimp, crab, and pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and a bit of extra mozzarella cheese on top if using to create a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your creamy and indulgent Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake!
Notes
- You can substitute fettuccine with penne or your favorite pasta shape.
- For added crunch, the breadcrumb topping is optional but highly recommended.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp initially as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
