Name: Seafood Lovers' Dream Alfredo – Creamy, Decadent Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup seafood broth (or chicken broth); 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 lb scallops, patted dry; 1/2 lb lobster meat, cooked and chopped; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Okay, friends, this one’s for the seafood lovers who crave something indulgent, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying! Picture this: a bowl of perfectly cooked pasta, smothered in a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce, topped with juicy shrimp, tender scallops, and a touch of fresh parsley for the perfect finish. If that doesn’t sound like a dream, I don’t know what does. Trust me, Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo is a game-changer. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to something incredible, this dish will have you hooked from the first bite.

Why You’ll Love Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo

This isn’t just a pasta dish—it’s an experience. Every bite is like a celebration of rich, creamy sauce, perfectly seared seafood, and tender pasta. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Versatile: This dish can be a casual weeknight dinner or the star of a fancy dinner party. Picture it at the table, the aroma filling the room, and everyone asking for the recipe. It’s that good.

Budget-Friendly: While it feels indulgent, you’re not breaking the bank. The ingredients are simple, and you can find them at most grocery stores without any hassle. And if you already have pasta and a few pantry staples, you’re halfway there!

Quick and Easy: If you’re not one for complicated recipes, this one’s for you. It’s quick to pull together, and every step is straightforward, making it perfect for anyone—whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen.

Customizable: Want to add a little heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. Prefer a lighter version? You can use half-and-half instead of cream! This recipe can be tailored to your tastes and needs.

Crowd-Pleasing: Let’s face it: seafood and creamy Alfredo are a match made in heaven. This dish has everything to please everyone—from seafood enthusiasts to pasta lovers. It’s a guaranteed hit every time.

Ingredients

Let’s break it down. These ingredients may seem simple, but when combined, they create a symphony of flavors.

Shrimp: The star of the show! Juicy, tender shrimp add that ocean-fresh flavor and a perfect pop of texture. Plus, they cook quickly, making them the ideal choice for this dish.

Scallops: These little gems bring that delicate sweetness and buttery flavor that will make this Alfredo feel next-level.

Pasta: Fettuccine is the classic choice for Alfredo—wide, flat, and able to hold that creamy sauce perfectly. But any pasta you love will do!

Heavy Cream: The heart and soul of the Alfredo sauce. It adds richness, creaminess, and that luxurious texture that makes this dish feel indulgent.

Butter: Adds to the richness of the sauce and helps sauté the seafood, giving it that golden, crisp edge.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings the signature salty, nutty flavor that makes Alfredo sauce so irresistible.

Garlic: Fresh garlic takes the sauce to a whole new level of flavor, adding warmth and depth.

Lemon Zest: A fresh pop of citrus that brightens up the creamy sauce and enhances the seafood flavors.

Parsley: Fresh parsley isn’t just for garnish—it adds a burst of color and a touch of freshness that balances the richness of the sauce.

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

Instructions

Let’s get cooking and bring this dream to life!

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fettuccine until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, saving a little pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.

Cook the Seafood: Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp and scallops with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, toss in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Once the cream starts to thicken, stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat it in the creamy goodness. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Dish: Add the cooked shrimp and scallops back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Toss everything together, gently mixing so the seafood is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

Finish and Serve: Sprinkle in some fresh lemon zest and parsley for brightness. Serve immediately, and get ready to wow everyone at the table!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 750

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo

This dish is rich enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a few sides can elevate the entire meal. Here are a few ideas:

Crisp Salad: A fresh, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides the perfect contrast to the creamy pasta.

Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crunchy garlic bread to mop up all that luscious sauce.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots would add a beautiful touch of color and flavor to your plate.

Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the seafood and creamy sauce.

As a Standalone: This pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own. Just garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a fresh, zesty touch.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make this dish even more amazing:

Cook the Seafood Separately: To avoid overcooking, cook the shrimp and scallops separately, then add them back into the sauce at the end.

Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the Alfredo sauce for a subtle heat that complements the seafood perfectly.

Customize the Seafood: If you’re not a fan of scallops, you can substitute them with crab meat, lobster, or even mussels for a unique twist!

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the Alfredo sauce and seafood ahead of time, and then just heat it up and toss it with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Store Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream to maintain the texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen seafood?
A1: Yes, frozen shrimp and scallops work just fine in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as linguine, penne, or spaghetti.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: You can prepare the sauce and cook the seafood ahead of time, then assemble the dish just before serving to keep everything fresh and creamy.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Freezing this dish isn’t ideal because the cream may separate. However, you can freeze the seafood and sauce separately and combine them when ready to serve.

Q6: How do I reheat this dish?
A6: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to bring the sauce back to its creamy texture.

Q7: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A7: Yes, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be a bit lighter. If you want a richer taste, stick with the heavy cream.

Q8: Can I add more vegetables?
A8: Yes! You can add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q9: What kind of garlic should I use?
A9: Fresh garlic is always best! It gives the sauce a much more fragrant and vibrant flavor compared to garlic powder.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just be sure to use a large enough skillet or make it in batches to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Conclusion

There you have it, friends—the Seafood Lovers’ Dream Alfredo is everything you could ever want in a creamy, indulgent pasta dish. Rich, velvety sauce, fresh seafood, and perfectly cooked pasta make for a meal that’s nothing short of perfection. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or serving it to guests, this dish is bound to be a hit. So go ahead, treat yourself to something delicious, and savor every last bite—you deserve it!