Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake

This creamy shrimp and crab Alfredo bake is everything you want in a comforting pasta dinner deeply satisfying layers of golden cheese over a luscious seafood Alfredo sauce. When I crave something special that makes everyone at the table lean in for seconds this is my go to I first served this on a rainy Sunday after spotting beautiful shrimp at the market and now it is a request for every birthday and celebration evening at home.

I was nervous to try a seafood bake at home but the first time I pulled it out of the oven and saw that bubbling cheese I knew it would become a family classic.

Ingredients

• Fettuccine or penne pasta: I like penne for catching the sauce but fettuccine gives those classic wide ribbons both work beautifully
• Unsalted butter: adds that silky richness use quality real butter for a true Alfredo flavor
• Garlic: fresh garlic is key for a fragrant savory base
• Heavy cream: creates a creamy sauce using half-and-half gives a lighter result
• Grated Parmesan cheese: provides umami and saltiness try to grate it yourself for the best melt and taste
• Salt and black pepper: brings all the flavors together use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper if possible
• Paprika: gives a subtle warmth and color use smoked paprika if you want extra depth
• Large shrimp: look for peeled deveined and raw shrimp for the sweetest results wild caught is often more flavorful
• Lump crabmeat: real lump crab adds sweetness and tender texture select handpicked meat for less shell
• Olive oil: helps cook the shrimp evenly and adds fruitiness choose extra virgin for quality
• Lemon juice: brightens up the seafood and balances the richness use fresh squeezed
• Fresh parsley: garnish with chopped leaves for color and a hint of earthiness choose flat leaf for bigger flavor
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: this melts into gooey pockets on top of the bake use a block and shred yourself for best stretch
• Breadcrumbs: go with Panko for crunch or classic breadcrumbs for a finer topping toast if you want extra golden color
• Grated Parmesan cheese: for mixing with the breadcrumbs for even more savory punch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Cook your pasta in well salted water until just al dente then drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while you make the sauce

Make the Alfredo Sauce:

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat add garlic and cook gently until fragrant but not colored about one minute then pour in the cream bring to a gentle simmer and whisk in most of your Parmesan until melted season with salt pepper and optional paprika for depth then remove from heat

Cook the Seafood:

In another pan heat olive oil and sear shrimp in batches so you do not crowd the pan cook each side until just pink and opaque usually two to three minutes per side finish with a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten and remove from the pan to avoid overcooking

Combine and Assemble:

In a large mixing bowl gently toss together drained pasta Alfredo sauce cooked shrimp and drained lump crabmeat mix softly so the crab stays in big bites

Prepare the Topping:

Layer your cheesy seafood mixture into a greased baking dish scatter shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top then mix breadcrumbs and remaining Parmesan together sprinkle this crunchy mix evenly across the cheese layer

Bake Until Golden:

Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375 Fahrenheit bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until you see the top bubbling and golden brown remove and let it sit for five minutes for everything to settle

Finish and Serve:

Garnish with big pinches of chopped fresh parsley right before serving for color and a burst of freshness

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My absolute favorite part is the way the Parmesan and mozzarella meld into a bubbling crust on top of the bake My little one always tries to pick out the big shrimp pieces before the rest of us scoop in and it is become a fun dinner table tradition

Choosing and Storing Seafood

For the sweetest flavor pick wild caught Gulf shrimp when you see them in store and check for firm plump pieces in your crabmeat Always pat your seafood dry before using and keep it very cold until just before cooking Leftovers keep best in an airtight container chilled promptly and can be warmed gently in the oven for best results

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap in rotini ziti or even gluten free pasta if that is what you have Scallops or chunks of firm white fish make a tasty addition or replacement for shrimp Try a sprinkle of Old Bay if you want a nostalgic seafood flavor boost or add spinach for a pop of color

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Serving Suggestions

This dish absolutely shines next to a light lemony green salad and some garlic bread You could pair it with white wine for a cozy evening or bring it to a potluck where it will disappear in minutes

Origins and Inspiration

The recipe is inspired by classic Italian American Alfredo but mixing in crab and shrimp turns it into a celebration feast At my house this bake is now the centerpiece for anniversaries and family birthdays it feels both luxurious and warming and is a nod to Mediterranean coastal flavors

Common Queries

→ What type of pasta works best in this Alfredo bake?

Fettuccine and penne are excellent choices, as they both hold up well to creamy sauces and baking. Feel free to use your favorite short-cut or long-cut pasta as desired.

→ Can I use frozen seafood instead of fresh?

Yes, just ensure the shrimp is fully thawed, peeled, and deveined, and the crabmeat is well-drained before mixing to avoid extra moisture in the bake.

→ How do I achieve a crispy topping?

Mixing Panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and sprinkling over the mozzarella creates a golden, crunchy crust after baking.

→ Is it possible to lighten the Alfredo sauce?

Absolutely. Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly for a lighter version while still maintaining creaminess.

→ What garnish complements this bake?

Fresh chopped parsley adds color and a hint of freshness, balancing the rich flavors of the dish beautifully.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Yes, cover and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of cream helps maintain moisture.