Seafood Pasta

If you are looking for a seafood pasta recipe that feels special but is still easy enough to make at home, this Seafood Pasta is a great one to keep on hand. It combines shrimp, scallops, crab meat, pasta, white wine, heavy cream, garlic, spinach, and tomatoes for a rich and flavorful dish that comes together right on the stovetop.

This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner, a date night meal, or anytime you want a pasta dish that feels a little elevated without being overly complicated. The seafood is cooked in stages, then folded into a light creamy wine sauce with pasta and vegetables for a comforting and satisfying meal.

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Recipe Overview

• Dish: Seafood Pasta
• Flavor profile: Rich, savory, lightly creamy, and full of seafood flavor
• Method: Boiled pasta with pan-seared seafood and a stovetop light cream sauce
• Cook temp/time: Stovetop; pasta cooks10 minutes, scallops cook 4 minutes, and shrimp cook 3 minutes then combine all ingredients and simmer
• Skill level: Easy
• Best for: Family dinners, date nights, and special homemade meals
• Standout tip: Cook the seafood in stages and add it back at the end so everything stays tender

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It combines three kinds of seafood in one dish. Superb flavor!
• The sauce is rich without being heavy.
• It feels restaurant-worthy but is super simple to make.
• It is a great option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
• The spinach and tomatoes add freshness and color to the dish.

What You’ll Need

The full list of ingredients with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Shrimp, scallops, and crab meat are the stars of this recipe. The shrimp and scallops are cooked first so they stay tender, while the crab meat is added to the sauce later for extra richness and seafood flavor.

Pappardelle pasta gives this dish a hearty base and works especially well with the light cream sauce. Its broad shape helps hold onto the sauce and seafood.

Olive oil, butter, and garlic build the flavor base of the dish. The olive oil is used to cook the seafood, while the butter and garlic help create a rich and savory sauce.

White wine and heavy cream form the sauce. The wine adds depth and brightness, and the cream gives the pasta a smooth, silky finish.

Cherry tomatoes and spinach bring color and freshness to the dish. They help balance the richness of the seafood and sauce.

Sea salt and black pepper keep the seasoning simple and let the seafood stand out.

Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe

• Large pot/Dutch Oven
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Cooking Utensils

How to Make Seafood Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Add 1 teaspoon of salt to a pot of water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta, do not rinse it, and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Prep the Garlic and Tomatoes

Slice the garlic and tomatoes, then set them aside until later. Having everything prepped before you build the sauce will make the cooking process easier.

Step 3: Cook the Scallops

Using medium heat, bring your pan to temperature and add the olive oil. Cook the scallops for 4 minutes, then remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

In the same pan, cook the shrimp for 3 minutes. Once they are done, remove them from the pan and set them aside with the scallops.

Step 5: Sauté the Garlic

Melt the butter in the pan, then sauté the garlic for 2 minutes. This creates the flavor base for the sauce.

Step 6: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, then bring the liquid to a light simmer. This helps lift the flavor from the pan into the sauce.

Step 7: Build the Sauce

Add the heavy cream and season with the salt and black pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Step 8: Add the Seafood

Add the crab meat, then return the shrimp and scallops to the pan. Gently stir everything together so the seafood warms through without overcooking.

Step 9: Add the Spinach, Tomatoes, and Pasta

Add the spinach, tomatoes, and cooked pasta, then lightly toss everything in the sauce until well combined. Serve while hot.

What to Serve With Seafood Pasta

This pasta pairs well with garlic bread, a simple green salad, asparagus, Brussel sprouts, or steamed broccoli. Since the dish is already rich and flavorful, lighter sides work especially well.

How to Store

Seafood Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because this dish contains seafood and cream sauce, it is best enjoyed fresh.

How to Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals. Add a small splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Pro Tips

• Do not overcook the shrimp or scallops.
• Cook the seafood in stages so each type cooks properly.
• Do not rinse the pasta after draining.
• Let the wine simmer briefly before adding the cream.
• Toss the pasta lightly so the seafood stays intact.
• Serve the pasta right away for the best texture.

FAQs

This Seafood Pasta is a great recipe to make when you want a dinner that feels a little special but is still easy enough to pull together at home. With tender seafood, pasta, and a light creamy sauce, it is a comforting meal that is full of flavor.