Discover the rich flavors of Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta, a quick and indulgent dinner that everyone will love. This dish combines tender seafood with a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that makes mealtime feel special without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving comfort food or aiming to impress guests, this recipe hits all the right notes for a satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple yet sophisticated: Combines accessible ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.
Seafood delight: Features a variety of fresh seafood that adds exquisite flavor and texture.
Rich garlic cream sauce: The sauce is velvety, packed with garlic, and perfectly coats every strand of pasta.
Quick and fuss-free: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite seafood or dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta lies in its simplicity — each ingredient contributes essential flavor, texture, or color, making every bite a comforting delight. Here’s what you’ll gather for this memorable meal:

Seafood mix: A combination of shrimp, scallops, and calamari brings variety and a fresh ocean taste.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic, pungent cream sauce base.
Heavy cream: Provides the silky, rich mouthfeel that coats the pasta beautifully.
Olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth touch when sautéing the seafood and garlic.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that enriches the sauce and balances richness.
White wine: Enhances the depth of flavor and adds a subtle acidity to the dish.
Fresh parsley: Bright green garnish that injects freshness and visual appeal.
Pasta of choice: Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work perfectly to hold the creamy sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all ingredients together.

Variations for Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta

This recipe offers plenty of room to customize the dish to suit your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor cravings. Try these variations to make it uniquely yours:

Vegetarian twist: Swap seafood for mushrooms and roasted artichokes for an earthy, creamy pasta.
Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a warm, fiery note.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta varieties to keep the dish accessible for all guests.
Cheese variations: Try pecorino romano or asiago for a different cheese profile in the sauce.
Herb substitutions: Swap parsley for fresh basil or tarragon for a unique herbal aroma.

Why Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta Steals Dinner

How to Make Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Seafood

Begin by cleaning and patting your seafood dry. This helps it sear nicely without releasing too much water, ensuring each bite is flavorful with a lovely texture.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water until just al dente. While it cooks, you can prepare the rest of the dish since timing is key to keep everything fresh and perfectly cooked.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Seafood

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, then quickly toss in the seafood mix. Sauté just until seafood turns opaque, ensuring it stays tender and juicy.

Step 4: Deglaze and Make Sauce

Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits. Let the wine reduce slightly before lowering heat and stirring in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, creating a luscious, silky sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Drain pasta and add it directly to the creamy sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and seafood evenly distributed. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta

Use fresh seafood: Freshness dramatically improves the flavor and texture of the dish.
Don’t overcook seafood: Remove from heat just as the seafood turns opaque to avoid rubbery bites.
Reserve pasta water: Add a splash if your sauce needs loosening or extra silkiness.
Grate cheese fresh: Fresh Parmesan melts better and adds more depth than pre-grated options.
Adjust consistency: If your sauce is too thick, thin with a little white wine or cream for a perfect coat.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta

Garnishes

Top with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor that cuts through the creaminess. A little lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice also adds an inviting brightness.

Side Dishes

Complement your creamy garlic seafood pasta with light sides like a crisp garden salad, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread to soak up every bit of the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a stunning presentation. Consider plating with a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor complexity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover creamy garlic seafood pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor integrity.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, this dish can be frozen. Place it in a freezer-safe container but expect some texture changes in the seafood upon thawing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power, adding a splash of cream or water to restore creaminess and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can impact the sauce texture.

What pasta type works best with this recipe?

Fettuccine, linguine, and spaghetti are all excellent choices as they hold the creamy garlic sauce well and complement the seafood textures.

Is this recipe dairy-free or can it be made vegan?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast, and swap seafood for hearty vegetables.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Adding crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic or finishing with a drizzle of chili oil will give your pasta a pleasant spicy kick.

Can I prepare any parts of this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prep the seafood and chop garlic ahead of time, but it’s best to combine everything fresh for optimal taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta is one of those dishes that wraps you in warmth and indulgence with every bite. Its simplicity makes it ideal for any night of the week, and the luxurious combination of garlic, cream, and fresh seafood always impresses. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to dinner!

Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta

Print Recipe

Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta is a quick and indulgent dinner featuring tender shrimp, scallops, and calamari in a velvety garlic cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish perfectly balances rich flavors with fresh seafood, making it ideal for comforting weeknight meals or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Author: Mary
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 (if using gluten-free pasta)

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, calamari), cleaned and patted dry

Sauce and Flavorings

4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Garnish

12 ounces pasta of choice (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prep the Seafood: Clean and pat your seafood dry thoroughly to ensure it sears nicely without releasing excess moisture, resulting in flavorful, tender pieces.
Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water if needed later.
Sauté Garlic and Seafood: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Quickly add the seafood mix and sauté just until the seafood turns opaque, about 2-3 minutes, being careful not to overcook.
Deglaze and Make Sauce: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it reduce slightly for about 2 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes silky and smooth.
Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and seafood. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy garlic sauce and the seafood is well distributed. Season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Notes

Use fresh seafood for best flavor and texture.
Do not overcook seafood; remove from heat as soon as it turns opaque to keep it tender.
Reserve some pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for better melting and deeper flavor.
Adjust sauce consistency by adding a little extra cream or white wine if too thick.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: Thirty-five g
Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: seafood pasta, creamy garlic sauce, quick dinner, seafood recipes, garlic cream pasta