One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo is a delightful dish that combines elegance and simplicity. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this meal features rich, creamy Alfredo sauce enveloping tender shrimp and crab. With minimal cleanup thanks to the one-pot cooking method, you’ll find this recipe not only delicious but also convenient.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The creamy Alfredo sauce paired with shrimp and crab creates a luxurious taste that everyone will love.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means less mess and hassle after your meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute or add your favorite seafood or pasta types for a personalized touch.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is sure to please both adults and kids alike, making it a great family dinner choice.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Here are the essential tools you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and reducing sauces without splattering.
- Chef’s knife: Ensures precision when chopping garlic and other ingredients effortlessly.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
For the Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup lump crab meat, drained and flaked
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or seafood broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling water in your large pot. Once boiling, add salt and then the fettuccine or linguine. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Broth and Cream
Pour in chicken or seafood broth followed by heavy cream. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Incorporate Seafood
Add shrimp to the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. Gently fold in lump crab meat.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Add cooked pasta back into the pot. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over everything. Stir gently until combined, allowing cheese to melt into the sauce.
Step 6: Season & Serve
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your luxurious One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo!
How to Serve One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy night in or serving guests, presentation and pairing elevate this dish.
Pair with Garlic Bread
- Toasted slices of garlic bread are perfect for mopping up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Fresh Salad
- A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
Wine Selection
- A chilled glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the seafood beautifully.
Lemon Wedges
- Serving lemon wedges adds a fresh burst of flavor that brightens the dish.
Grated Parmesan Topping
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the taste and gives a lovely finish.

How to Perfect One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
Creating the perfect One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and crab meat provide the best flavor compared to frozen options.
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
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Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go! This helps you achieve your desired flavor without oversalting.
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Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Adding herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the dish with fresh flavors.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
Pairing sides with One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delightful options:
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Steamed Asparagus
Lightly steamed asparagus adds a crisp texture and vibrant color to your plate. -
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting brings out natural sweetness in Brussels sprouts, making them a delicious complement. -
Caprese Salad
The freshness of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil pairs wonderfully with the creamy pasta. -
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes add comfort and richness, perfect for soaking up flavors. -
Antipasto Platter
A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables offers variety before the main dish. -
Zucchini Noodles
For a lighter option, serve zucchini noodles for those looking for a healthy alternative.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to avoid.
- Overcooking the pasta – Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Always check for al dente just before you drain it.
- Ignoring seasoning – Underseasoning can lead to bland flavors. Taste your dish as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Using low-quality seafood – Freshness matters! Opt for high-quality shrimp and crab for the best flavor in your Alfredo sauce.
- Skipping the garlic – Garlic adds essential depth. Don’t skip it; sauté it until fragrant to enhance the dish’s aroma and taste.
- Not letting the sauce thicken – Rushing this step can lead to a watery sauce. Allow time for the sauce to simmer and reduce for a creamy texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The dish will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
- Freeze in a suitable, freezer-safe container.
- It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal taste.
Reheating One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in intervals of 1 minute, stirring between each interval until hot.
- Stovetop – Use a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of cream if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use frozen shrimp for One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well! Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking to maintain even texture.
What pasta is best for One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo?
Fettuccine or linguine is ideal due to their ability to hold the creamy sauce effectively.
How can I customize One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or swap out proteins based on your preferences!
Is One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo healthy?
While it contains heavy cream, you can substitute with lighter alternatives like half-and-half or milk for a healthier option.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo is an indulgent yet simple meal that brings comfort food to life. Its creamy texture combined with the tender seafood makes it perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize this recipe by adding veggies or using different seafood types. Give it a try; it’s sure to impress!

One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo, a delightful dish that effortlessly combines elegance with simplicity. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this creamy pasta recipe envelops succulent shrimp and tender crab in a rich Alfredo sauce. With the convenience of one-pot cooking, you can enjoy a gourmet meal without the hassle of extensive cleanup.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup lump crab meat, drained
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or seafood broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add fettuccine or linguine, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Make sauce: Pour in broth and heavy cream; stir to combine.
- Add seafood: Incorporate shrimp, cooking until pink (3-4 minutes), then gently fold in crab meat.
- Combine: Return pasta to the pot, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and stir until melted and evenly coated.
- Season & Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper; serve garnished with parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg