Looking for the perfect summer dish that’s light, creamy, and packed with flavor? This Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab is a must-try for seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining on the coast, even if you’re enjoying it from your kitchen. Loaded with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing, it’s easy to see why this chilled pasta salad is quickly becoming a go-to favorite for potlucks, cookouts, or weekday lunches.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Simple steps and minimal cooking make it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- No-Fuss Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find seafood.
- Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge!
- Cool & Creamy: Ideal for warm weather or when you want something refreshing.
- Versatile Dish: Easily customizable to your favorite seafood or pasta shapes.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab
- Cooked Pasta: Use fun shapes like rotini, wagon wheels, or elbow macaroni—they hold the dressing perfectly and add texture.
- Shrimp: Cooked, peeled shrimp brings a juicy, slightly sweet seafood flavor.
- Imitation or Real Crab Meat: Adds a soft, delicate bite with classic coastal vibes.
- Celery: Offers crunch and freshness to balance the creamy base.
- Mayonnaise Dressing: Creamy and tangy, tying everything together with flavor and moisture.
- Lemon Juice & Black Pepper: Brightens the dish and adds a subtle zesty kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your pasta until just al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
- Prepare the Seafood: Make sure shrimp is cooked and peeled. Roughly chop crab meat if in large chunks.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, black pepper, and any desired seasonings.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the pasta, shrimp, crab, and celery into the dressing. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill & Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with chives or paprika for an extra touch.
Expert Tip: Don’t overcook your pasta—slightly firm pasta holds up better once chilled.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of Old Bay seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add color: Toss in chopped red bell peppers or grape tomatoes for a pop of freshness.
- Use Greek yogurt: Replace half of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Swap the seafood: Use lobster, scallops, or even canned tuna as substitutes.
How to Store & Reheat
- To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: This dish is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm, gently heat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring often.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of seafood or creamy pasta dishes, don’t stop at this one! Here are a few other irresistible recipes that belong on your must-try list:
- Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon: A rich and elegant seafood dinner perfect for special occasions or date night.
- Garlic Shrimp Gratin: Creamy, garlicky, and bubbling with cheesy shrimp goodness—pure comfort food.
- Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta: Hearty and flavorful, this beefy garlic pasta is a weeknight winner the whole family will love.
Whether you’re in the mood for something baked, creamy, or savory, these recipes deliver big on flavor and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen shrimp and crab meat?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before mixing into the salad to avoid watering down the dressing.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or macaroni hold up well and absorb the creamy dressing nicely.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
It’s typically served chilled, making it perfect for picnics or summer meals.
Can I make this seafood pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
This Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab is the ultimate chilled seafood salad—creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just craving something delicious, this recipe has you covered. Try it out, and let us know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow for more coastal-inspired recipes like this one!
Seafood Pasta with Shrimp & Crab
Ingredients
- – 12 oz cooked pasta rotini, wagon wheels, or macaroni
- – 1 cup cooked shrimp peeled and deveined
- – 1 cup crab meat or imitation crab chopped
- – 1/2 cup celery finely diced
- – 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- – 1 tbsp lemon juice
- – Salt and black pepper to taste
- – Optional: fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
- Add cooked pasta, shrimp, crab meat, and celery to the bowl.
- Gently mix until all ingredients are well coated in the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired.
Notes
– Add a dash of Old Bay or Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist.
– Make it lighter by swapping half the mayo with Greek yogurt.