Let’s talk comfort food with a touch of luxury. Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta is that dreamy dish you make when you want something cozy and impressive. Imagine twirling your fork through tender pasta coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, speckled with juicy shrimp, plump scallops, or whatever seafood you’re craving. Sounds divine, right?

Whether you’re cooking for a date night, treating yourself after a long day, or putting together a no-fail meal that feels like it came from your favorite seaside restaurant, this recipe’s got your back. It’s rich without being heavy, indulgent without the stress, and honestly? It’s a total showstopper that’s way easier than it looks.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Works with your favorite seafood shrimp, scallops, crab, mussels you name it. You can mix and match based on what you love or what’s in your freezer.

Budget-Friendly: Seafood pasta might sound fancy, but with a few clever swaps (hello frozen shrimp), you can keep it affordable and still get that restaurant-quality feel.

Quick and Easy: From stovetop to table in under 30 minutes. No complicated steps, just simple goodness that comes together in a flash.

Customizable: Prefer it spicy? Add chili flakes. Want it cheesier? Toss in some Parm. You’re the boss of this bowl.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta

Here’s the magic of this pasta dish it’s made with simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create something irresistibly rich and flavorful. Let’s break it down:

Pasta: Choose your favorite linguine, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. It’s all about what you love to twirl or scoop.

Seafood Mix: Shrimp, scallops, calamari, or any combination. Fresh or frozen works great—just make sure it’s cleaned and ready to cook.

Garlic: The heart and soul of the sauce. Freshly minced garlic infuses the entire dish with irresistible aroma and flavor.

Heavy Cream: For that silky, luscious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

Butter: Adds depth and richness especially when melted with garlic.

Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty punch that makes everything better.

Olive Oil: Helps sear the seafood and keeps the butter from burning.

Parsley: A bright, fresh pop at the end to balance the richness.

Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings, perfectly tuned to enhance each bite.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: If using frozen seafood, start by thawing it ahead of time. Also, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.

Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente. Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce later if needed.

Sear the Seafood: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add your seafood mix and cook until just opaque. Be careful not to overcook—seafood cooks fast! Remove and set aside.

Sauté Garlic and Butter: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant and golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point—just wait.

Add Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly, stirring often to prevent burning.

Stir in Cheese: Reduce the heat and stir in the Parmesan. Let it melt into the sauce to add richness and a touch of saltiness.

Add Seafood and Pasta: Return the seafood to the pan, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.

Final Touch: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and black pepper before serving.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a side dish or served on its own, this recipe is sure to impress.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 510

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
– A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast
– Garlic bread or crusty baguette to mop up that delicious sauce
– Steamed or roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for extra veggies
– A glass of chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the grown-ups

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– Use a mix of seafood for flavor and texture contrast
– Don’t overcook seafood it should be just opaque and tender
– Grate your Parmesan fresh for the best flavor
– Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a kick
– Reserve pasta water it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce
– For extra creaminess, stir in a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone
– Use non-stick or stainless-steel pans to prevent sticking
– If the sauce separates, add a bit more cream and stir gently
– Leftovers? Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream
– Want to prep ahead? Make the sauce and seafood early, boil pasta fresh

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes! Just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce.

2. What type of pasta works best?
Linguine or fettuccine are perfect, but any pasta you love will work beautifully.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute.

4. Is this dish spicy?
Not by default, but you can easily add chili flakes for some heat.

5. Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes are delicious add-ins.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

7. Can I reheat it?
Yes gently in a pan with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

8. Is this freezer-friendly?
Not really. Cream sauces tend to separate when frozen and reheated.

9. Can I use just one type of seafood?
Totally! Shrimp-only versions are super popular and still delicious.

10. How do I avoid overcooking the seafood?
Cook just until it’s opaque and firm usually 2–3 minutes is plenty.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta is everything you want in a meal comforting, a little fancy, and bursting with flavor. Whether it’s your first time making a seafood pasta or you’re a seasoned kitchen pro, this recipe is a guaranteed win. It’s fast, flexible, and seriously satisfying. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.

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