One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo is a delightful dish that brings together tender shrimp and sweet crab meat in a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the rich flavors in one easy pot, which means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal. It’s a beautiful blend of seafood and classic Italian flavors that’s both comforting and elegant without any fuss.
I love making this dish when I want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s my go-to for a cozy dinner that feels a little fancy but really comes together quickly. The best part is how the shrimp and crab gently cook right in the sauce, keeping them juicy and flavorful. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about stirring everything in one pot and seeing it all come together.
Serving this with a simple green salad or some crusty bread makes the meal complete for me. I often find that friends and family can’t get enough of it, so it’s perfect for sharing at casual get-togethers or even a weeknight treat. If you love creamy pasta and seafood, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your house too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: I use large shrimp for a nice texture and flavor. If you’re allergic or prefer, scallops or chunks of firm fish like cod work well, too.
Crab Meat: Lump crab is ideal for its sweet, delicate texture. You can swap canned crab if fresh isn’t available or use imitation crab for a budget-friendly option.
Fettuccine: This pasta holds the creamy sauce perfectly. If you want, try linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne for a twist on texture.
Heavy Cream & Parmesan: These create the classic Alfredo’s creamy richness. For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with milk and use reduced-fat cheese, but keep some cream for that silky finish.
Italian Seasoning & Garlic: These brighten up the dish. Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon for extra freshness if you like.
How Do I Get the Sauce Creamy Without It Breaking?
Combining cream, cheese, and broth can be tricky. To avoid curdling or separating:
- Warm the cream and broth gently—don’t boil hard once added.
- When adding cheese, lower heat and stir continuously so it melts smoothly.
- Avoid cooking the sauce on high after cheese is in—it can cause separation.
- Stir the pasta often during cooking to release starch, which helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- Adding butter also helps create a smooth, rich texture.
Keeping these points in mind will give your Alfredo sauce a lovely creamy texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large deep sauté pan or skillet – perfect for cooking everything in one pot and gives plenty of space for stirring pasta and sauce.
- Tongs or pasta fork – makes it easy to toss the fettuccine and seafood together without breaking the noodles.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps you get the cream, broth, and seasonings just right for a rich sauce.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – great for stirring without scratching your pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap crab for cooked lobster meat for a special occasion and a sweeter, richer seafood taste.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach to add earthiness and a fresh pop of green.
- Use smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning on shrimp to add warmth and a little spice kick.
- Try adding sun-dried tomatoes for tangy, slightly sweet bursts that complement the creamy sauce.
One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta (uncooked)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For The Seafood:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and satisfying meal. You’ll spend around 5-7 minutes prepping and about 20 minutes cooking everything together in one pot—easy cleanup too!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are lightly browned. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside for later.
2. Start the Sauce and Pasta:
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it smells wonderful. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the uncooked fettuccine to the skillet, making sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. The pasta will cook in the sauce and the liquid will reduce and thicken.
3. Make it Creamy and Add Seafood:
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese, the rest of the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and season the sauce with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir everything well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and crab meat. Let everything warm through for 2-3 minutes without overcooking the seafood.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve the creamy shrimp and crab Alfredo immediately while it’s warm and velvety. Enjoy your delicious one-pot seafood meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat dry to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Can I Substitute the Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine works best with Alfredo sauce, linguine or tagliatelle are great alternatives. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta but check the cooking time as it may vary slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a creamy dairy-free milk blend, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ slightly from the classic Alfredo.
