Shrimp and Crab Alfredo Bake

If you love rich, creamy pasta dishes, this Shrimp and Crab Alfredo Bake is about to become one of your favorite comfort meals. It combines tender pasta, juicy shrimp, sweet lump crab meat, and a silky Parmesan Alfredo sauce, all baked together with a golden breadcrumb topping.

This dish brings together the indulgent flavors of a classic seafood pasta with the cozy appeal of a baked casserole. It’s perfect for a special family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or when you simply want something warm, creamy, and satisfying.

The best part? It comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it surprisingly simple for such an impressive dish.

---

Why I Love This Recipe

Seafood Alfredo has always been one of those restaurant dishes that feels indulgent and special. This baked version takes those same luxurious flavors and turns them into an easy, family-friendly dinner.

The shrimp cook quickly in the Alfredo sauce, soaking up garlic and Parmesan flavors while staying juicy and tender. The lump crab meat adds a delicate sweetness that balances the richness of the cream sauce.

Baking everything together with breadcrumbs creates a slightly crispy top layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath.

If you’re already a fan of creamy pasta classics like Fettuccine Alfredo: The Creamy Pasta That Became a Comfort Food Favorite, this seafood twist will feel like an exciting upgrade.

---

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 1/2 lb (225 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb (225 g) lump crab meat
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

---

Ingredient Swaps and Notes

This recipe is flexible and easy to adjust depending on what you have available.

Pasta choices:
Penne and rigatoni hold sauce beautifully, but shells or rotini work well too.

Seafood options:
If crab is hard to find, you can double the shrimp or substitute scallops.

Cheese options:
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and gives the sauce a smoother texture.

Breadcrumb topping:
Panko breadcrumbs create the crispiest topping, but regular breadcrumbs work just fine.

Spice level:
Red pepper flakes are optional but add a subtle heat that balances the creaminess.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

---

2. Sauté the Garlic

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

---

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.

Cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

---

4. Season the Sauce

Add:

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir well to combine.

---

5. Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook for 3–4 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque.

---

6. Add Crab and Pasta

Gently fold in the lump crab meat and cooked pasta.

Stir carefully so the crab stays in nice chunks while everything becomes coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce.

---

7. Assemble the Bake

Transfer the mixture into a baking dish.

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly across the top.

---

8. Bake

Bake for 15–20 minutes until the topping is golden and the pasta is bubbling around the edges.

---

9. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

---

Tips for Success

Use fresh or high-quality crab meat
Lump crab meat gives the best flavor and texture.

Do not overcook the shrimp
They will cook slightly more in the oven, so remove them from the stovetop as soon as they turn pink.

Salt the pasta water
Well-seasoned pasta water enhances the entire dish.

Use a shallow baking dish
This helps create a crispier breadcrumb topping.

---

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This rich seafood pasta pairs wonderfully with lighter sides.

A crisp, refreshing option like Easy Classic Pasta Salad for Any Gathering adds balance to the creamy Alfredo flavors.

For a lighter protein-packed lunch idea the next day, you might also enjoy Classic Tuna Salad with a Healthy No-Mayo Twist.

If you’re planning a full weekend menu, starting the morning with Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes: The Secret to a Perfect Breakfast Stack makes the day feel extra special.

---

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480
• Fat: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Protein: 32 g

This dish provides a hearty balance of protein and carbohydrates while delivering rich, satisfying flavors.

---

Storage and Leftover Tips

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave gently with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Freezing:
This dish can be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

---

More Recipes You’ll Love

If creamy comfort food is your thing, here are more recipes to try:

• Fettuccine Alfredo: The Creamy Pasta That Became a Comfort Food Favorite
• Easy Classic Pasta Salad for Any Gathering
• Classic Tuna Salad with a Healthy No-Mayo Twist

Each one brings simple ingredients together for satisfying, easy meals.

---

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp and Crab Alfredo Bake proves that restaurant-quality seafood pasta can be easy to make right at home. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, tender shrimp, delicate crab meat, and crispy breadcrumb topping come together to create a dish that feels both comforting and a little bit luxurious.

It’s the kind of recipe that works for weeknight dinners but is also impressive enough for guests.

If you give it a try, let me know how it turned out. Your feedback helps make every recipe even better, and don’t forget to follow along for more delicious recipes from Jason Griffith at Chef Maniac. 🍝🦐