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
Scale
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.
