Creamy Crab and Shrimp with Spinach: A Luxurious Seafood Delight Made Simple
If you’re searching for a restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s both elegant and easy to make, this Creamy Crab and Shrimp with Spinach recipe is the perfect choice. Imagine tender shrimp and delicate crab meat bathed in a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of spice — all complemented by fresh, vibrant spinach. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet effortless, perfect for impressing guests or elevating a cozy weeknight dinner.
Every bite is pure decadence — creamy, flavorful, and loaded with seafood goodness — while the spinach adds freshness that balances the richness beautifully. Best of all, this one-pan wonder comes together in under 30 minutes, proving that luxury dining at home doesn’t have to be complicated.
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Ingredients and Their Roles
Each ingredient in this Creamy Crab and Shrimp with Spinach recipe has been carefully selected to create layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined – The star of the dish, shrimp bring a naturally sweet and juicy flavor that stands out beautifully in the creamy sauce.
- 8 oz (225g) lump crab meat – Adds delicate, ocean-fresh richness and a touch of luxury to the dish.
- 3 cups fresh spinach – Provides color, freshness, and a healthy balance to the creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps achieve the perfect sear on the shrimp and prevents the butter from burning.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory flavor that complements the seafood perfectly.
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped – Adds a mild sweetness and depth without overpowering the delicate crab.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Creates the silky, indulgent base for the sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Thickens the sauce naturally and adds a nutty, umami flavor.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – Offers a gentle kick to enhance the creamy seafood flavors.
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or seafood seasoning – Amplifies the taste of the shrimp and crab with classic coastal spices.
- Juice of ½ lemon – Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the cream.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning each layer of flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Adds a burst of freshness and color before serving.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Creamy Crab and Shrimp with Spinach absolutely flawless:
Step 1: Sear the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and slightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining butter.
Sauté the shallot for about 2 minutes, until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and a little more Old Bay seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, until wilted. The spinach not only adds nutrition but also a beautiful pop of green color that enhances the dish visually.
Step 5: Combine the Seafood
Return the shrimp to the pan along with the lump crab meat. Gently fold everything together so the crab stays intact.
Squeeze in fresh lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Let everything simmer for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
This Creamy Crab and Shrimp with Spinach dish is adored for its luxurious flavor and easy preparation. It brings together the best of both worlds — the comfort of creamy pasta sauces and the freshness of coastal seafood — all in one skillet.
What makes it truly special is its balance: the richness of cream and cheese meets the lightness of seafood and greens. The dish feels fancy enough for a date night or holiday dinner but simple enough for a Tuesday night indulgence.
It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a gourmet chef, even though it’s wonderfully easy to master.
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Pro Tips for Perfecting Creamy Crab and Shrimp with Spinach
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor, but frozen (thawed) shrimp and pasteurized crab meat work beautifully too.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp — they should be just pink and firm, not rubbery.
- Add white wine (¼ cup) after sautéing the garlic for an extra layer of depth and aroma.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone before adding the spinach.
- Garnish smartly — a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a few crab lumps on top make the dish look restaurant-worthy.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve your Creamy Crab and Shrimp with Spinach over:
- Linguine or fettuccine pasta for a luxurious seafood pasta dish.
- Steamed jasmine rice for a comforting, creamy bowl-style meal.
- Garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty and indulgent dinner.
- Or simply with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce.
Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the seafood and creamy flavors. A light garden salad or roasted asparagus makes the perfect side.
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Conclusion: Indulgent Flavor, Effortless Preparation
This Creamy Crab and Shrimp with Spinach recipe proves that elegance can be simple. With its velvety sauce, tender seafood, and perfectly balanced flavors, it delivers an experience that feels straight out of a fine-dining restaurant — yet it’s made in your own kitchen with minimal effort.
Every forkful is a combination of creamy, savory, and fresh — the kind of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Simple to make. Impossible to resist.
Once you try it, this Creamy Crab and Shrimp with Spinach will become your go-to recipe for unforgettable seafood dinners.