Creamy Shrimp and Crab Alfredo Pasta Bake is the ultimate seafood comfort food, featuring tender shrimp, sweet lump crab meat, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, all topped with a bubbly layer of melted mozzarella cheese. This oven-baked pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect centerpiece for family dinners, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a restaurant-quality seafood meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy Alfredo Sauce – Homemade garlic Parmesan Alfredo coats every bite of pasta.
Loaded with Seafood – Juicy shrimp and delicate lump crab make this dish extra special.
Golden Cheesy Topping – Melted mozzarella creates an irresistible bubbly crust.
Perfect for Entertaining – An elegant seafood dinner that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Family-Friendly Comfort Food – Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying for everyone at the table.
Great for Leftovers – Reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta

12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta – Holds the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for cooking the shrimp.

For the Seafood

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined – Adds juicy, tender seafood flavor.
8 ounces lump crab meat – Brings delicate sweetness and luxurious texture.

For the Alfredo Sauce

3 tablespoons butter – Forms the rich base of the sauce.
4 garlic cloves, minced – Adds bold aromatic flavor.
2 cups heavy cream – Creates the silky Alfredo sauce.
1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese – Provides nutty richness and thickens the sauce.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds classic herb flavor.
½ teaspoon paprika – Contributes subtle warmth and color.
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds gentle seasoning.

For the Topping

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Creates the golden, bubbly cheese crust.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – Adds freshness and vibrant color before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Seafood

Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss until evenly coated. Carefully fold in the cooked shrimp and lump crab meat, being gentle to keep the crab pieces intact.

Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Transfer the pasta mixture into a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, covering the entire surface.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

Allow the pasta bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Cook the Pasta Slightly Firm – It will continue cooking in the oven and won’t become mushy.
Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp – Since the shrimp bakes again, cook it only until just pink.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – It melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Fold the Crab Gently – Lump crab meat is delicate and should remain in large pieces.
Let the Bake Rest – Waiting a few minutes allows the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
Broil for Extra Color – Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you’d like a deeper golden cheese topping.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Cook Time: Approximately 45 minutes (including baking)
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approximately 620 calories per serving

Perfect Pairings

Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Caesar Salad – Crisp lettuce and tangy dressing balance the richness.
Roasted Asparagus – Adds freshness and color to the meal.
Chilled White Wine – Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pair beautifully with creamy seafood pasta.

Ideal Occasions

Holiday Dinners – An impressive seafood dish for festive gatherings.
Weekend Family Meals – Comfort food that’s hearty enough for everyone.
Dinner Parties – Elegant yet simple enough to prepare ahead.
Date Night at Home – A restaurant-quality meal without leaving the house.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigerate Leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze Before Baking – Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat Gently – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Serve Freshly Baked – The cheese topping is at its best straight from the oven.

Creative Variations to Try

Spicy Alfredo Bake – Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
Extra Seafood Version – Include scallops or lobster for an even more luxurious casserole.
Vegetable Alfredo Bake – Add spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Three-Cheese Alfredo – Mix mozzarella with Gruyère or Fontina for deeper flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sauce Is Too Thick – Stir in a splash of warm milk, cream, or reserved pasta water before baking.
Shrimp Become Rubbery – Cook them only until pink before adding to the casserole.
Cheese Doesn’t Brown – Broil for 1–2 minutes while watching carefully.
Pasta Turns Dry – Don’t overbake, and ensure enough Alfredo sauce coats the pasta before baking.

Why This Recipe Works

This seafood Alfredo bake combines perfectly cooked pasta with a homemade Parmesan cream sauce that delivers rich flavor without overwhelming the delicate seafood. Cooking the shrimp separately prevents overcooking, while gently folding in the lump crab preserves its naturally sweet texture. Fresh garlic, butter, and Parmesan build a classic Alfredo foundation, while Italian seasoning and paprika add subtle layers of flavor. Baking everything beneath a generous blanket of mozzarella creates a beautifully golden crust that seals in the creamy sauce underneath. The result is a hearty casserole where every bite offers tender seafood, creamy pasta, and perfectly melted cheese. At approximately 620 calories per serving, this dish is a satisfying, indulgent meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Shrimp and Crab Alfredo Pasta Bake is the definition of comforting seafood cuisine. Rich Alfredo sauce, juicy shrimp, sweet crab meat, tender pasta, and bubbling mozzarella come together to create a dish that’s both elegant and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday celebration, a family dinner, or a cozy weekend meal, this baked pasta is guaranteed to impress. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for part of the heavy cream, reduce the mozzarella slightly, or add vegetables like spinach or broccoli while still enjoying the creamy, cheesy flavors that make this recipe unforgettable.