Discover the secret to whipping up a restaurant-quality dinner in no time with this Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta. This dish blends succulent seafood with a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta, making it the ideal meal for busy weeknights or a cozy date night at home. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe balances bold flavors and effortless cooking, promising a satisfying seafood experience every time you dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Convenient: Perfect for hectic evenings, it comes together fast without sacrificing flavor.
Rich and Creamy Texture: The luscious garlic cream sauce adds indulgence to every bite.
Loaded with Fresh Seafood: Combines shrimp, scallops, and your choice of fish for a delightful medley.
Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customizable to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.
Comfort Food with a Gourmet Twist: Elevates simple ingredients into an impressive, satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta lies in a handful of fresh, quality ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the garlic-infused cream to the tender, briny seafood and perfectly al dente pasta.

Seafood Mix: A combination of shrimp, scallops, and white fish provides variety and balanced flavors.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic delivers the essential aromatic base for the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: Adds a smooth, rich texture that binds the sauce and seafood beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty touch that deepens the creaminess and complexity of the dish.
Fettuccine or Linguine: Long pasta shapes that hold the sauce well and create perfect bites.
Butter and Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing seafood and garlic, adding layers of flavor.
White Wine: Enhances the sauce with subtle acidity and complements the seafood’s sweetness.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh, herbal brightness.
Lemon Juice: A splash to balance the richness with a refreshing zing.
Salt and Pepper: To season perfectly and bring out every flavor.

Variations for Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta

One of the joys of this Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Swap ingredients or tweak flavors to match your dietary needs or adventurous palate. Here are some tasty ideas to inspire your own version.

Vegetarian Option: Replace seafood with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty meat-free dish.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery contrast to the creaminess.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta varieties without compromising texture or taste.
Herb Boost: Mix in fresh basil, thyme, or dill alongside parsley for a fragrant twist.
Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago instead of Parmesan for a sharper cheese profile.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by cleaning and patting dry your seafood. Mince fresh garlic and chop parsley finely. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Cook your fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water for the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Seafood

In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the seafood and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just opaque. Remove from pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Pour in white wine and let it reduce by half, then stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return seafood to the pan, add cooked pasta, and toss everything together. Stir in Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, chopped parsley, and enough reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta

Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh or properly thawed seafood ensures tenderness and the best flavor.
Don’t Overcook Seafood: Remove seafood from heat as soon as it turns opaque to keep it juicy.
Reserve Pasta Water: It’s a secret weapon for smoothing the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the cream sauce on a gentle simmer to avoid curdling or breaking.
Fresh Garlic is Key: Freshly minced garlic gives a vibrant flavor you just can’t get from powder.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta

Garnishes

Finish your dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, extra grated Parmesan, and a light dusting of cracked black pepper for a colorful and flavorful touch.

Side Dishes

Brighten the meal with a crisp green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette or crispy garlic bread that’s perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your creamy garlic seafood pasta in warmed bowls with a lemon wedge on the side, or plate it elegantly with a drizzle of olive oil and microgreens for a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

While cream sauces generally don’t freeze well, you can freeze cooked seafood and pasta separately if needed, then reheat gently with a fresh cream sauce.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency without separating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, frozen seafood works well if properly thawed beforehand and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the sauce.

What type of pasta works best?

Long, flat noodles like fettuccine, linguine, or even spaghetti hold the creamy sauce beautifully and pair wonderfully with seafood.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use dairy-free cheese options for a similar rich texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

The sauce and seafood are best prepared fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead to speed up cooking on the day.

What wine pairs well with creamy garlic seafood pasta?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creaminess and seafood flavors perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a creamy garlic seafood pasta after a busy day, and now you have a simple, quick recipe to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, this dish’s luscious flavors and easy preparation will make it a fast favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the satisfying delights of a homemade seafood feast in under 30 minutes!

Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta

Print Recipe

Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta combines tender shrimp, scallops, and white fish in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and convenient dish offers bold flavors and a comforting gourmet experience perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Author: Maria
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten-Free optional

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood Mix

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 lb scallops, cleaned
1/2 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or halibut), cut into bite-sized pieces

Garlic Cream Sauce

4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Clean and pat dry the shrimp, scallops, and fish. Mince the garlic and finely chop the parsley. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta.
Cook the Pasta: Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water for later use.
Sauté the Seafood: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the seafood mix and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the seafood turns just opaque. Remove the seafood from the pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.
Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine and allow it to reduce by half. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Combine and Finish: Return the cooked seafood to the pan, add the drained pasta, and toss everything together. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and enough reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Use fresh or properly thawed seafood for optimal tenderness and flavor.
Remove seafood from heat as soon as it becomes opaque to keep it juicy.
Reserve pasta water to help smooth the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
Keep the cream sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling.
Freshly minced garlic offers a vibrant flavor unmatched by garlic powder.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: seafood pasta, creamy garlic sauce, shrimp pasta, scallops pasta, white fish pasta, quick seafood dinner, fettuccine, linguine