Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach

Introduction

Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach is a luscious and decadent dish that brings together the briny sweetness of seafood with the earthy richness of spinach in a velvety sauce. This dish is perfect for an elegant dinner, offering a gourmet experience without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re planning a special occasion or craving a comforting yet sophisticated meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors at home. Serve it as a standalone dish or alongside crusty bread, rice, or pasta for a complete dining experience.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, approximately 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
5. Fold in the crab meat and cooked shrimp, ensuring they are coated evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: 320 kcal

Variations

• Cheese Swap: Substitute Parmesan with Gruyere or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for added texture and color.
• Protein Alternatives: Replace shrimp and crab with scallops or chunks of cooked lobster for a luxurious twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the seafood.

5 FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp and crab?
Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Can I use pre-cooked seafood?
Certainly! Reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking, adding the pre-cooked seafood in the final 2-3 minutes of preparation.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check ingredient labels for hidden gluten.

What can I serve with this dish?
Pair it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A side salad also complements the meal beautifully.

Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently after thawing in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach is an indulgent yet simple recipe that’s bound to impress your family or guests. The combination of succulent seafood, tender spinach, and a luxurious sauce makes it a versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a main course or paired with your favorite sides, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite!

Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Category Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

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Description

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach dish. Packed with succulent shrimp, tender crab meat, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce, this recipe is a showstopper for any seafood lover. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a main course served with pasta or rice, it’s both comforting and elegant, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, approximately 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
5. Fold in the crab meat and cooked shrimp, ensuring they are coated evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Protein: 28g

Additional Notes:

• For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
• Pair with a glass of crisp white wine for an elegant dining experience.