Shrimp & Crab Angel Hair Delight 🍤🍝
Creamy Seafood Pasta with Shrimp, Crab & Lemon
If you’re looking for an elegant yet incredibly easy seafood pasta recipe, this Shrimp & Crab Angel Hair Delight is the perfect choice. Delicate angel hair pasta is coated in a light, creamy garlic sauce and combined with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and fresh lemon zest for a bright burst of flavor. This restaurant-quality meal comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights, romantic dinners, or special family gatherings. Every bite is rich, creamy, and packed with fresh seafood flavor while remaining light enough to enjoy any time of year. Garnished with fresh herbs, this pasta is comforting, satisfying, and sure to become one of your favorite seafood recipes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) angel hair pasta
- ½ lb (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup cooked crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup half-and-half
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about ¼ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.
Step 4: Add the Crab
Gently fold in the cooked crab meat along with the fresh lemon zest. Stir carefully for about 1 minute so the crab warms without breaking apart.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the half-and-half. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated. If using Parmesan cheese, add it now and stir until melted. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet and toss gently until every strand is coated in the creamy seafood sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle generously with freshly chopped dill or parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Fresh lump crab meat provides the sweetest flavor, but well-drained canned crab works beautifully.
- Do not overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Angel hair cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to maintain the perfect texture.
- For a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid overheating to keep the seafood tender.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4