Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo Recipe
If you love creamy pasta dishes absolutely loaded with delicacies from the sea, get ready to fall for Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo. This show-stopping entree combines perfectly cooked shrimp, tender scallops, and sweet lump crab tossed with silky fettuccine and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Every twirl of pasta brings a taste of the ocean—decadent yet fresh, irresistibly comforting, and destined to impress anyone who gets a forkful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shows off just how magical a few high-quality ingredients can be when brought together the right way. Each item below adds its own essential flavor or texture, building a pasta dish you’ll crave again and again.
- Fettuccine pasta: The classic wide noodle holds onto the creamy Alfredo sauce so every bite is luscious and satisfying.
- Olive oil: Use a good-quality oil to start your seafood off right and add a subtle fruity undertone.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps the garlic gently bloom without burning.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the entire dish with an unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose high-quality, fresh or thawed shrimp for juicy, sweet bites.
- Sea scallops, patted dry: Drying scallops ensures they sear beautifully instead of steaming, giving you golden edges.
- Lump crab meat, picked over for shells: The sweet brininess of crab brings this Alfredo into “special occasion” territory.
- Heavy cream: The foundation for a decadent, velvety Alfredo sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For the best melt and flavor, skip the pre-grated stuff and grate your own.
- Old Bay seasoning: This iconic spice blend is the secret weapon for authentic seafood flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a touch adds a gentle kick; feel free to adjust for your heat preference.
- Salt: Crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of both pasta and seafood.
- Black pepper: Adds depth and balances the creamy sauce with a peppery finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens each plate with color and fresh, herbal notes.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): A squeeze of lemon wakes up all the flavors and really makes the seafood shine.
How to Make Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your fettuccine and cook it until it’s perfectly al dente—usually a minute less than the package says is just right for that firm, toothsome bite. Make sure to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, as this will be your secret weapon for silky-smooth sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Seafood
In your largest skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once they’re shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 60 seconds. You want it fragrant but not browned. Next, add the shrimp and scallops in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan! Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they’re pink, opaque, and have a bit of golden color. Overcooking is your enemy here, so as soon as they’re done, scoop them out and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
With your pan still over medium heat, pour in the luscious heavy cream. Let it come to a gentle simmer (not a roaring boil!), then sprinkle in the Parmesan, Old Bay, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir steadily as the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken. It’ll take about 5 minutes—keep an eye on it so your sauce stays silky and doesn’t scorch.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the drained fettuccine straight into the creamy sauce and toss so every noodle is coated. If things look too thick or sticky, splash in a little of your reserved pasta water until you reach a beautiful, glossy consistency. Gently fold in the crab meat, shrimp, and scallops, being careful not to break the delicate seafood. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes—just enough to heat everything through and let the flavors mingle.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle plenty of fresh parsley over the top, then bring a few lemon wedges to the plate for squeezing. Serve your Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo hot and fresh—no one will be able to resist diving in right away!
How to Serve Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo
Garnishes
A sparkly finishing touch sets your Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo apart from anything you’d get at a restaurant. I love a snowfall of extra grated Parmesan, a flurry of fresh parsley, and—don’t skip this part—a wedge or two of lemon for squeezing right before that first bite. The citrus brings a bright contrast that really enlivens the creamy, decadent sauce.
Side Dishes
Rich pasta needs just a little something light on the side. Pair your Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo with a crisp, peppery arugula salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice. If you’re craving a classic touch, warm, crusty Italian bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of that heavenly Alfredo sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to take things up a notch—whether for date night or a dinner party—try twirling individual servings of pasta into nests and topping each with a few pieces of seafood. For extra flair, serve right from a large pasta bowl or a rimmed platter family-style, letting everyone help themselves to the sea’s bounty. You can even drizzle a touch of chili oil or a sprinkle of microgreens for restaurant-style wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, transfer any leftover Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the leftovers seriously crave-worthy, though the pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo in a pinch. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Be aware: the texture of the sauce and seafood may change after thawing, but a gentle reheating can help things come back together. Use within 1 month for best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer the Alfredo to a skillet and add a splash of milk, cream, or even a bit of water. Warm it gently over low heat, stirring often, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may overcook the seafood or cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is the classic, linguine, spaghetti, or even pappardelle work beautifully with this creamy seafood sauce. Just choose a noodle that grabs sauce well and you’ll love the result.
What if I can’t find lump crab meat?
No worries! You can substitute with high-quality claw crab meat, more shrimp or scallops, or even chunks of firm white fish like cod. The dish will still taste luxurious and satisfying.
How can I make the dish a little lighter?
For a lighter take on Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo, swap half the heavy cream for whole milk or evaporated milk. You can also use less Parmesan or add steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost.
How do I avoid overcooking the seafood?
Cook shrimp and scallops just until opaque and lightly golden—usually 2 to 3 minutes per side—then set them aside while finishing the sauce. Gently fold seafood into the sauce at the end so it stays tender and juicy.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes! A splash of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) added after the garlic and before the cream deepens the flavor and adds a lovely, subtle acidity to your Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a seafood fan, it’s hard to imagine a dreamier dinner than a big bowl of Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo. Elegant enough for special occasions, yet simple enough to toss together any weeknight, this recipe is pure creamy comfort. Gather your favorite people, pile up the pasta, and let every bite remind you why this is a keeper!
Print
Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo, a creamy pasta dish loaded with shrimp, scallops, and crab meat in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. This Italian-American-inspired recipe is a seafood lover’s delight!
Ingredients
Fettuccine Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
Seafood:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ pound sea scallops, patted dry
- ½ pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil fettuccine until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Sauté Seafood: In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil and butter, then cook shrimp and scallops until golden. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat, add cream, Parmesan, seasonings, and simmer until thickened. Add pasta, seafood, and crab, simmer briefly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For richer flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
- You can substitute fettuccine with linguine or spaghetti.
- Avoid overcooking the seafood to prevent toughness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 910 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 230 mg
