Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake – Creamy Seafood Perfection in Every Bite
If you’re a seafood lover who also craves creamy, cheesy pasta, this Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake will become your new favorite comfort dish. It’s packed with tender fettuccine, juicy shrimp, sweet lump crab meat, and a rich Alfredo sauce, all baked under a golden layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a special date night at home, this recipe is a showstopper every single time.
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta (or any long pasta)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Homemade Alfredo Sauce (for extra flavor):
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente (tender but firm).
- Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Make the Alfredo Sauce (If Homemade)
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, and mix until smooth.
- Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare the Seafood Mix
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shrimp and crab meat.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add half the mozzarella and a little Parmesan, tossing gently.
4. Combine Pasta & Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the seafood bowl.
- Pour in the Alfredo sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
5. Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake
- Sear the shrimp in butter and garlic before adding for a deeper flavor.
- Add breadcrumbs tossed in butter on top for extra crunch.
- Don’t overcook crab meat; it’s best to add it just before baking.
- Mix in veggies like spinach, asparagus, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 24g