Decadent Seafood Alfredo Pasta with Crab, Lobster, and Shrimp
Ingredients:
For the Seafood:
2 lobster tails, split and deveined
2 king crab legs, cooked and cracked
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a little heat)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Alfredo Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Prepare the Seafood:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Lobster: Brush the lobster tails with the spice mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in the spice mixture as well.
Crab Legs: Rub the crab legs with the seasoning or use the excess seasoning for a quick coat.
Cook the Seafood:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the lobster tails, flesh-side down, for 4–5 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
In the same skillet, cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
Gently heat the crab legs in the same skillet, allowing them to warm through while absorbing the flavors of the seasoning, about 3–4 minutes.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, cooking for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat the noodles with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Plate the Dish:
Arrange the creamy seafood Alfredo pasta on each plate. Top with the seasoned lobster tails, shrimp, and crab legs.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serve:
Serve immediately, letting the richness of the seafood and creamy Alfredo sauce shine through.