Easy 30-Minute Shrimp and Crab Pasta: Your Ultimate Weeknight Seafood Delight
Craving a restaurant-quality seafood pasta that’s both quick and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This sensational Shrimp and Crab Pasta recipe delivers gourmet flavors in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you simply want to treat yourself to something special without the fuss. Imagine tender pasta, succulent shrimp, and sweet crab meat, all enveloped in a luscious buttery sauce infused with fragrant garlic and bright tomatoes, then finished with a generous sprinkle of savory Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that promises to satisfy every seafood lover’s craving.
There’s a reason why this particular Shrimp and Crab Pasta holds a special place in our home; it’s hands down our most requested meal! From birthday celebrations to impromptu gatherings, this dish transforms any ordinary evening into a memorable occasion. Despite its fancy sound and luxurious taste, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the entire meal comes together – truly in less than half an hour. It’s the ideal recipe for when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, proving that exceptional seafood doesn’t have to be complicated.
Why This Shrimp & Crab Pasta is a True Winner
This isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s one of my all-time favorites, and for good reason! The combination of tender pasta cooked to perfection with succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp and delicate crab meat creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that seafood enthusiasts will absolutely adore. What makes it even better? This dish tastes fantastic as leftovers! The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it a delicious lunch the next day, if there’s any left!
The magic truly happens with a few simple, yet powerful, ingredients: rich butter, aromatic garlic, sharp Parmesan, and juicy tomatoes. These elements come together to form a light yet indulgent sauce that coats every strand of pasta and piece of seafood. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can create such an impressive meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe. We incorporate seafood into our diet quite frequently, and this recipe offers great flexibility whether you opt for fresh or imitation crab, or pre-cooked or raw shrimp. Each choice yields a delightful result, adapting perfectly to what you have on hand.
If you’re a fan of the delectable pairing of crab and cheese, then you’ll undoubtedly enjoy exploring some of our other beloved recipes. Be sure to try our Slow-Cooker Crab Dip, the irresistible Crab Rangoon Dip, and the truly comforting Alaskan Snow Crab Macaroni and Cheese. Each one promises a burst of cheesy crab flavor!
Easy Shrimp & Crab Pasta: Gourmet Taste, Effortless Preparation
This shrimp and crab pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an easy gateway to bringing gourmet restaurant flavors right into your home kitchen, and it’s a dish even the pickiest eaters will adore. What sets this pasta apart is its incredibly rich, buttery flavor profile. It’s wonderfully creamy and cheesy, boasting a luxuriously silky texture that’s deeply satisfying without being heavy, unlike traditional Alfredo sauces. This dish truly defines comfort food at its absolute finest, offering warmth, richness, and sophisticated taste in every forkful.
Key Ingredients for Pasta with Shrimp and Crab
To create this magnificent seafood pasta, you’ll need a handful of accessible ingredients that work synergistically to build layers of flavor. The complete, precise measurements are available in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s a closer look at what makes this dish shine:
- Pasta: While spaghetti noodles are my usual go-to for their perfect texture and ability to cling to the sauce, feel free to choose your favorite pasta shape! Linguine, fettuccine, or even a shorter pasta like penne or rotini would work wonderfully. The key is to cook it al dente for the best mouthfeel.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil forms the foundation of our sauce, complementing the seafood and butter beautifully. Its robust flavor adds depth and richness.
- Butter: This is crucial for creating that luxurious, creamy, and irresistible sauce. Using both salted or unsalted butter will work; just adjust your added salt accordingly. Butter is key to amplifying the savory notes of garlic and onion.
- Mrs. Dash Seasoning: Specifically, the Tomato, Basil, and Garlic blend is a secret weapon here! It adds a fantastic savory herbaceousness without extra sodium, perfectly enhancing the other flavors. You can easily find this in most grocery stores or purchase it online.
- 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.
- Garlic: No great pasta dish is complete without fresh garlic! Minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic kick that permeates the entire dish and pairs exceptionally well with seafood and butter.
- Shrimp: You have flexibility here. Both precooked or fresh raw shrimp will work. If using raw, ensure they are peeled, deveined, and cooked until they turn pink and opaque. If using frozen, make sure they are fully defrosted before cooking.
- Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes, including their juice, add a lovely acidity and a touch of sweetness that brightens the sauce. If fresh tomatoes are in season and ripe, feel free to use those, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Crab: I typically use imitation crab meat for its convenience and mild flavor, which kids often love. However, if you’re fortunate enough to live where fresh crab meat is readily available and affordable, definitely opt for the real thing for an even more exquisite flavor! Just ensure it’s cooked and flaked.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a wedge offers the best flavor and melts beautifully into the sauce, providing a salty, umami finish. Pre-grated Parmesan is a convenient alternative if that’s what you have, but for truly restaurant-quality results, grating it yourself is worth the effort.
How to Make Crab and Shrimp Pasta: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
You’ll be delighted by how effortlessly and quickly this flavorful seafood pasta recipe comes together. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the simple steps:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta. Begin by boiling your chosen pasta according to the package directions. It’s crucial to cook it until it’s al dente – meaning it’s firm to the bite, but not mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. A good tip is to reserve a little of the pasta cooking water before draining, as it can be used later to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Create the Sauce Base. While your pasta is cooking, you can begin building the rich sauce. In a large skillet (a cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for even heat distribution), add the olive oil, part of the butter, Mrs. Dash seasoning blend, diced onion, and minced garlic. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and the spices to infuse into the oil, cooking for about three minutes, or until your diced onion turns translucent and fragrant. This step is key to releasing the deep flavors of the aromatics.
Step 3: Add the Shrimp. Once the onions are softened, add the shrimp to the skillet. If using raw shrimp, cook them for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. If using pre-cooked shrimp, you just need to warm them through for about a minute.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes and Crab. Next, stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the crab meat. Gently mix everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with sea salt to taste, remembering that Parmesan cheese will also add saltiness. Allow the mixture to warm through for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Serve. Finally, add the cooked pasta and the remaining butter to the skillet with the seafood mixture. Toss all the ingredients together gently until the butter is completely melted and the pasta is thoroughly coated and warm. The residual heat will help everything come together. Serve this delightful shrimp and crab pasta immediately in pasta bowls, topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and perhaps a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for color and extra freshness.
Tips for the Best Shrimp and Crab Pasta
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque, then remove them from the heat promptly.
- Al Dente Pasta is Key: Pasta that’s cooked al dente provides the perfect textural contrast to the soft seafood and creamy sauce. It also holds up better when tossed with the other ingredients.
- Fresh Garlic Makes a Difference: While garlic powder can work in a pinch, fresh minced garlic provides a much more vibrant and aromatic flavor that elevates this dish significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go, especially after adding the tomatoes and crab. Remember that Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick, so be mindful when adding sea salt.
- Don’t Skimp on Butter: The butter is essential for that rich, luxurious sauce. It’s what gives this dish its gourmet feel.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add a Splash of Wine: For an extra layer of flavor, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) after sautéing the aromatics and before adding the shrimp.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic and onion can give this pasta a delightful subtle heat.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Feel free to add some chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes (halved), or even asparagus spears to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
- Creamier Sauce: For a slightly creamier sauce without making it heavy like Alfredo, you could stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the very end.
- Serve with Sides: This pasta is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, crusty garlic bread, or a light white wine.
Storage and Reheating Leftovers
This shrimp and crab recipe is fantastic for leftovers, making meal prep a breeze! Simply transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight storage container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh and delicious for three to four days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating from the refrigerator, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. From frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Love it? Pin it!
Don’t let this incredibly simple and delicious Shrimp & Crab Pasta recipe slip away! Make sure to save it for later by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave. It’s the perfect dish to have in your culinary arsenal for those moments when you need a quick, impressive meal!
More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Love
In our household, pasta is a staple, cherished for its versatility and endless possibilities. If you enjoyed this seafood pasta, you’ll love exploring some of our other cherished pasta recipes. Be sure to check out these favorites before you go: our hearty Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs, the elegant Smoked Salmon Pasta, our comforting Baked Chicken Pasta, the fresh and simple Pasta Pomodoro, or as pictured above, my rich and satisfying Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup recipe. There’s a pasta dish for every craving!
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Print Recipe
Shrimp and Crab Pasta
Equipment
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Mrs. Dash Tomato Basil Garlic, 2.0oz
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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
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Boil your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
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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. Cook over medium heat for approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
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Add the shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine with the aromatics. Next, add the diced tomatoes (with juice) and stir well. Finally, gently stir in the crab meat. Season with sea salt to taste and allow the mixture to warm through for 2-3 minutes.
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Add the cooked pasta and the remaining butter to the skillet with the seafood and sauce. Toss all ingredients together until the butter is fully melted and the pasta is evenly coated and hot. Serve immediately in pasta bowls, garnished generously with fresh Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Store any leftover shrimp and crab pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
This beloved 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 and enhanced to improve user experience, and was proudly reshared on March 4, 2025.
