Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab – Creamy, Refreshing & Irresistible 🦐🦀🍝
Looking for a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or an elegant dinner? This Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab is the answer. Combining tender pasta with succulent shrimp, delicate crab meat, crisp veggies, and a creamy lemon-mayo dressing, this recipe balances richness with freshness in every bite. Serve it chilled for a refreshing pasta salad or slightly warm for a heartier meal.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Pasta
Unlike heavy pasta dishes, this seafood pasta is light yet packed with protein and flavor. The shrimp and crab provide natural sweetness, while lemon juice and Dijon mustard cut through the creaminess, making each forkful refreshing. Plus, it’s versatile—perfect as a main course, side dish, or potluck favorite. 🌊
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini, penne, or preferred pasta
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup crab meat (fresh or imitation)
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup diced red onion
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Seafood
If not already cooked, quickly sauté shrimp until pink and opaque. Flake the crab meat and check for shell fragments. Set both aside.
3. Mix the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss the pasta, shrimp, crab, celery, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Pour the dressing over and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving. ❄️
Chef Tips & Expert Notes 👨🍳
- Chef Bobby Flay: “Add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning to the dressing for a coastal kick.”
- Ree Drummond: “A little sour cream blended with mayo lightens up the dressing beautifully.”
- Gordon Ramsay: “Don’t overcook your pasta—keep it al dente so it holds up well in the salad.”
- Ina Garten: “Fresh dill and lemon zest take this salad from good to gourmet.”
Health Tips & Safety Considerations 🥗
- Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber and nutrients.
- If using imitation crab, check the sodium content as it can be higher than fresh crab.
- Chill the pasta salad quickly and keep refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt.
Nutrition & Health Benefits Table (Approx. per Serving)
Based on 6 servings.
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasta | 8 oz | 840 | Carbs for energy |
| Shrimp | 1 cup | 120 | Lean protein, low fat |
| Crab meat | 1 cup | 100 | Protein, omega-3s |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup | 720 | Richness, healthy fats (if olive oil-based) |
| Vegetables (celery, onion, tomatoes) | 1 ¼ cups | 60 | Fiber, antioxidants, vitamins |
| Total (whole recipe) | — | ~1,840 | ~307 kcal per serving (6 servings) |
Serving Ideas & Variations 🌟
- Add diced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Substitute pasta with quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- Mix in capers or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Top with shredded Parmesan for a savory boost.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this seafood pasta ahead of time? Yes, chill overnight for even better flavor. Just stir before serving.
- Can I use canned crab meat? Yes, but fresh lump crab has better flavor and texture.
- How long does this pasta salad last? Up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
- Can I make it spicy? Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta to make it celiac-friendly.
- Can I use other seafood? Yes! Lobster, scallops, or smoked salmon make delicious variations.
- What can I serve with it? Pair with garlic bread, a green salad, or grilled vegetables.
- Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise? Yes, but it will add sweetness and tang—adjust lemon juice accordingly.
- Can I freeze this seafood pasta? Not recommended—the mayo-based dressing doesn’t thaw well.
- How do I keep pasta from sticking when chilled? Toss cooled pasta with a little olive oil before mixing.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Creamy Shrimp Alfredo – A rich pasta dish for seafood lovers.
- Crab Stuffed Mushrooms – Perfect appetizer pairing.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp – Quick and zesty seafood dish.
- Summer Pasta Salads – More refreshing salad recipes.
Final Thoughts
This Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab is proof that simple ingredients can create a sophisticated, crowd-pleasing dish. Creamy, zesty, and brimming with fresh seafood, it’s a recipe you’ll make again and again—whether for family dinners or festive gatherings. 🦐🦀🍴
