Get ready to experience pure comfort in every bite with this Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake! Imagine tender pasta swirled through a luscious, creamy Alfredo sauce, packed with big, juicy shrimp and sweet lumps of crab meat, finished with a blanket of melting cheese. This is the kind of dish that will have everyone racing to the dinner table and asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving a cozy family meal or impressing friends at a special gathering, Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake brings together the very best of land and sea, creating a memorable and mouthwatering centerpiece.

Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this recipe is how it transforms a handful of simple, quality ingredients into something absolutely unforgettable. Each component in Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake adds its own magic—creamy sauce, succulent seafood, cheese, and the perfect hint of spice—all working together to create layers of flavor and texture.

Pasta: Use 12 ounces of fettuccine or penne for that ideal bite and sauce absorption.
Butter: With 2 tablespoons, you’ll add richness and help sauté the garlic to fragrant perfection.
Garlic: Three minced cloves give your Alfredo a savory depth that makes the kitchen smell irresistible.
Shrimp: One pound, peeled and deveined, delivers juicy, briny bites in every forkful.
Crab Meat: Eight ounces of lump crab add sweetness and a fancy touch; imitation crab works if needed.
Heavy Cream: Two cups create that luxurious, velvet-smooth Alfredo sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: One cup, grated, builds salty, nutty flavor right into the heart of the dish.
Mozzarella Cheese: One cup shredded (divided) for melty, golden goodness on top and within.
Old Bay Seasoning: A half teaspoon brings the classic Maryland seafood zing.
Black Pepper: A quarter teaspoon for balanced warmth without overpowering the seafood.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but just a quarter teaspoon adds a gentle kick if you enjoy heat.
Chopped Parsley: One tablespoon for garnish, offering a burst of color and fresh flavor to finish your Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake.

How to Make Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Cook the Pasta

First things first: set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s piping hot when it’s bake time. In a big pot of well-salted boiling water, cook your fettuccine or penne until just al dente—it should still have a little bite, since it’ll finish in the oven. Once it’s ready, drain and set aside, giving it a little toss with olive oil if you like, to keep the pasta from sticking together.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Garlic and Butter

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it foams, then add the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute and fill your kitchen with that unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma. Be careful not to let the garlic brown; we’re aiming for fragrant, not burnt!

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp and Crab

Immediately toss in the shrimp, stirring them gently for two to three minutes until they turn just pink and start to curl. Next, fold in the crab meat and sauté for another minute or two, just to warm it through. This ensures every bite of your Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake is full of tender, juicy seafood.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Lower the heat under your skillet and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for three to four minutes, stirring often, until it’s just beginning to thicken and coat the back of a spoon. Creamy perfection achieved!

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Now it’s time for magic: add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together, making sure every strand is gently hugged by the sauce. Mix in half of your shredded mozzarella to start the cheesy melt. This is the moment when the Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake truly starts coming together.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the saucy seafood pasta to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top for that irresistible baked crust. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until bubbly and gloriously golden on top.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Pull your Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake from the oven and let it stand for a minute or two. Then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, adding color and a bright, herby note that lets everyone know this is no ordinary pasta.

How to Serve Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh parsley brings both color and a touch of fresh flavor to this bake, making it look as inviting as it tastes. For an extra pop, you can add a shake of extra Parmesan or a squirt of lemon juice—this awakens the rich seafood and cheese with a little citrus zing.

Side Dishes

Because Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake is so rich and creamy, it pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides. Try tossing together a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or slicing up some warm, garlicky bread to soak up every drop of that decadent sauce. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli will add freshness and a bit of crunch alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, you can portion the bake into individual ramekins before popping them in the oven—they look gorgeous topped with bubbly cheese! Or, serve the Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake family-style straight from the casserole dish, and let everyone dig in together for a cozy, communal vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply let the Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake cool to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly or transfer to airtight containers. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making dreamy lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, portion cooled bake into freezer-safe containers. This dish freezes well for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so the creamy sauce stays smooth.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. If microwaving a single portion, add a splash of cream or milk and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally. This keeps the Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake just as creamy as when it was freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for the Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake?

Absolutely! Both fettuccine and penne work perfectly, but you can swap in rigatoni, rotini, or shells for a fun twist. Whatever shape you choose, just cook it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.

What if I don’t have fresh crab meat?

No worries! Imitation crab meat is a perfectly fine substitute and will still give your Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake a delicious, slightly sweet seafood flavor. If you’re feeling extra fancy, canned crab (drained well) is a good option too.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Yes, you can assemble the bake (up to the point before baking) a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then pop it in the oven right before your guests arrive. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Is the Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake spicy?

Only if you want it to be! The optional red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can leave them out for a milder, family-friendly dish.

How can I make the bake even cheesier?

If you’re a true cheese lover, stir in half a cup of ricotta or cream cheese with the Parmesan in your sauce. The result is an even creamier, more decadent Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake everyone will rave about.

Final Thoughts

If you’re yearning for something special and full of flavor, Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake is the answer—savory, creamy, and packed with seafood goodness. Don’t wait for a special occasion; treat yourself and your family tonight and let this recipe become a new comfort food favorite at your table!

Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent seafood delight with this Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Bake. A rich and creamy pasta dish loaded with shrimp, lump crab meat, and a blend of cheeses, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a special dinner or gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
8 ounces lump crab meat
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sauté Garlic & Seafood: In a skillet, sauté garlic in butter, add shrimp and crab meat, cook briefly.
Prepare Cream Sauce: Lower heat, add cream, Parmesan, seasonings, simmer until thickened.
Combine & Bake: Toss pasta in the sauce, mix in half of mozzarella, transfer to baking dish, top with remaining cheese, bake until golden.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with parsley before serving.