Creamy seafood pasta is a rich and delicious dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or when you’re in the mood for a comforting, flavorful meal. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe to make it at home!
Creamy Seafood Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti works best)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer non-alcoholic)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb scallops (or other seafood like mussels, clams, or crab meat)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional for freshness)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Cook the seafood:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and scallops to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are pink and the scallops are golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the pasta and seafood:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Return the cooked seafood to the skillet and toss everything together. Add the chopped parsley and lemon zest (if using), then give it one final stir.
- Serve:
- Serve the creamy seafood pasta immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for some bright, fresh flavor.
Tips:
- Feel free to mix up the seafood by adding your favorites like crab, lobster, or mussels.
- If you don’t like wine, you can substitute it with more chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a little bit of white truffle oil to the sauce at the end.
This creamy seafood pasta is sure to impress! It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner. Are you pairing it with a side or a wine?