Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or lengthy prep time? Then look no further! This shrimp and crab pasta recipe is your answer. It's a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious dish perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly special. This recipe is packed with flavor, combining the delicate sweetness of shrimp and crab with a rich and creamy sauce. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even beginner cooks can master. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant homemade dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; low and slow is key.
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Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce for about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked shrimp and crab meat to the sauce. Gently stir to combine. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese never hurts!
Cooking Tips for the Best Shrimp and Crab Pasta:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish will taste. Look for fresh, high-quality shrimp and lump crab meat.
- Adjust the spice level: If you don't like spicy food, omit the red pepper flakes. Alternatively, add more for a spicier kick!
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side salad or crusty bread to make this a satisfying and complete meal.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Enhance the dish with sauteed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Lemon zest: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a burst of fresh citrus flavor.
- Different pasta: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or even shells.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This shrimp and crab pasta recipe is a perfect example of delicious, easy recipes that are quick to prepare, healthy, and satisfying. It's a fantastic quick dinner idea that will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy!