One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo is a creamy, delicious dish that brings the flavors of the sea right to your table. It combines tender shrimp and sweet crab meat with a rich Alfredo sauce, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. The smooth sauce coats perfectly cooked pasta, creating a comforting meal that feels like a special treat.
I love making this dish when I want something that feels fancy but isn’t complicated at all. The best part is how everything cooks in the same pot, so you save time and still get that silky, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite. Adding fresh shrimp and crab makes it feel extra special, like you’re celebrating even on a regular weeknight.
My favorite way to enjoy One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo is with a simple green salad on the side and some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s so satisfying and fills the whole kitchen with a wonderful aroma while it cooks. This recipe has quickly become a go-to for me whenever I want something comforting and a little indulgent without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well here. I prefer peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and quick cooking. If you’re avoiding shellfish, cooked chicken chunks can be a tasty swap.
Crab Meat: Lump crab adds a sweet, delicate flavor. Fresh is best, but canned crab works fine too—just drain it well. For a budget option, try crab sticks or a mild flaky white fish.
Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce nicely. You can swap for penne, fusilli, or even farfalle if that’s what you have on hand.
Heavy Cream & Butter: These give the sauce its rich, velvety texture. For a lighter version, try substituting half the cream with milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick or creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big difference in flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good alternatives.
How Do I Cook Shrimp and Pasta Perfectly Together in One Pot?
Balancing cooking times so the pasta is tender but not mushy, and the shrimp stays juicy, is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Start by cooking the pasta in broth and cream, stirring often to prevent sticking and monitoring closely for doneness.
- When pasta is almost finished (about 2 minutes before done), push it to the side of the pan.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the empty side, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking or they get rubbery.
- Fold in crab meat gently at the end to warm it without breaking it up too much.
- Stir in cheese off the heat so it melts smoothly without curdling the sauce.
This step-by-step helps keep everything tender and flavorful, all from one pot with less mess!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan – perfect for cooking pasta and seafood all in one pot without spills.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – helps stir the pasta gently and scrape the pan without scratching.
- Sharp knife – for peeling and deveining shrimp if not prepped already.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the broth, cream, and seasonings just right.
- Grater – handy for freshly grating Parmesan cheese to melt evenly into the sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp and crab for cooked chicken and mushrooms for a cozy non-seafood version.
- Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat that works great with creamy Alfredo.
- Mix in baby spinach or kale at the end for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
- Try shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese alongside Parmesan for a gooey, melty twist.
One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 ounces lump crab meat (fresh or canned, preferably fresh)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or seafood broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend 5 minutes preparing and seasoning the ingredients, then about 10-12 minutes cooking the pasta and sauce together. Adding seafood and cheese finishing steps take around another 8 minutes. So in under half an hour, you can enjoy this creamy, flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce:
In a large skillet or deep pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it smells wonderful but not browned.
2. Cook Pasta in Broth and Cream:
Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the pan, then stir in the pasta. Let it simmer gently, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender but still firm (al dente), and most of the liquid has been absorbed—about 10-12 minutes.
3. Season and Cook Shrimp:
While the pasta cooks, toss the shrimp in salt, pepper, paprika, and half the Italian seasoning. When the pasta is nearly done, push it to one side of the pan to make space. Add the shrimp to the empty side and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Add Crab and Cheese:
Gently fold in the lump crab meat, warming it through without breaking it up too much. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining Italian seasoning until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta and seafood nicely. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve right away in bowls, making sure to spoon plenty of the delicious sauce and seafood onto each serving.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp and Crab for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thaw frozen shrimp and crab overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for quicker thawing. Pat dry to avoid adding excess moisture to the dish.
Can I Make One Pot Shrimp and Crab Alfredo Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add the shrimp and crab fresh when reheating to keep them tender. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Adding a little extra cream or broth can help restore creaminess.
Can I Substitute Other Pasta Shapes or Seafood?
Absolutely! Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works great. You can also swap shrimp and crab for cooked chicken or scallops depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
