One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo is a delightful dish that combines luxury and comfort in one easy meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe features creamy Alfredo sauce enveloping tender shrimp and crab over pasta. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, making it not only delicious but also simple to prepare and clean up after.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Cleanup: With everything cooked in one pot, there’s minimal dishwashing required.
- Quick Prep Time: Spend just 10 minutes preparing ingredients before you start cooking.
- Rich Flavor: The creamy Alfredo sauce paired with shrimp and crab creates a truly indulgent experience.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for a family dinner or an elegant gathering, this meal suits any occasion.
- Impressive Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley for a beautiful finish that will impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delightful One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo, you’ll need a few essential tools that make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides enough space to cook the pasta, shrimp, and crab without overcrowding.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring the ingredients gently without scratching your cookware.
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
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
- Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Seafood
- In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.
- Add the lump crab meat gently into the mix.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
- Pour in chicken or seafood broth along with heavy cream.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring frequently.
- Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the drained pasta to the pot with the sauce.
- Toss everything together until well coated; add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo!
How to Serve One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo is a rich and creamy dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or add a gourmet touch, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Pairing with Garlic Bread
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Adding Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
Sprinkling with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Finish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and an added layer of flavor.
Serving in Individual Bowls
- Individual Bowls: Presenting your One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo in individual bowls gives it a restaurant-like feel, perfect for special occasions.
Drizzling with Lemon Juice
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and enhances its seafood flavors.
Enjoying with Wine
- White Wine: Pair your meal with a chilled glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the seafood.

How to Perfect One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
To ensure you make the most delicious One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo, follow these helpful tips.
-
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh shrimp and lump crab meat for the best flavor. Frozen seafood can work, but fresh is always preferred.
-
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking your pasta just right will prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
-
Adjust Seasonings: Taste your sauce before serving; don’t hesitate to adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
-
Add Cheese Gradually: Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency without clumps.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Asparagus: Crisp-tender roasted asparagus brings a smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the dish.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil provides a light appetizer that stimulates the appetite.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve zucchini noodles alongside for a delightful twist on traditional pasta.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds sweetness that pairs nicely with seafood flavors, making it an excellent summer side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:
-
Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
-
Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions and aim for al dente.
-
Using low-quality seafood: Cheap shrimp or crab can ruin the dish. Choose fresh or high-quality frozen seafood for the best results.
-
Not stirring often: Leaving the sauce unattended can lead to burning. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
-
Ignoring leftovers: Letting food sit out too long can spoil it. Store any leftovers promptly to maintain freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container; it will last for up to 2 months.
Reheating One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
-
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
-
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until hot, stirring halfway through.
-
Stovetop: Add a little broth or cream in a skillet over low heat. Stir continuously until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo:
Can I use different pasta types for One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta type like penne or spaghetti. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce usually appeals to kids, making it a great choice for family dinners.
How can I customize One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo?
You can add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition. Adjust seasoning based on your taste preferences as well.
What should I serve with One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo?
A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish, enhancing the dining experience without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy. Its creamy texture combined with tender seafood makes it perfect for any occasion. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spices. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
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 creamy and comforting dish that brings gourmet dining right to your kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe features succulent shrimp and tender crab meat enveloped in a rich Alfredo sauce, all served over al dente pasta. Best of all, it’s made in just one pot, ensuring easy cleanup without compromising on taste. In less than 30 minutes, you can create a delightful meal that impresses everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup lump crab meat, drained and flaked
- 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 in a large pot according to package instructions until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink. Gently stir in crab meat.
- Pour in broth and cream; bring to a simmer while stirring frequently. Gradually add Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Return drained pasta to the pot; toss everything together and adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 200mg







