15+ December Seafood Pasta Recipes Creamy Rich Bowls

December means gathering around a cozy table, filling bellies with good food while winter winds whip at the windows. There’s something about a creamy, rich bowl of seafood pasta that feels decadent yet soothing this time of year. My family always ends up with a pot simmering on the stove, the heat fogging up the kitchen and the aroma making everyone hover close. Whether it’s a Christmas Eve tradition or just a way to make a chilly weeknight feel special, these 15+ December seafood pasta recipes bring warmth, comfort, and that extra touch of richness that only winter can inspire.

1. Lobster Fettuccine Alfredo

Why You’ll Love It:

This is pure winter comfort, perfect for an intimate December dinner when you want to treat yourself or impress someone. The sweet lobster is tucked into ribbons of fettuccine, all wrapped up in a silky, cheesy Alfredo sauce. It’s decadent, special, and shockingly easy for a big night in.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces fettuccine noodles
• 1 pound cooked lobster meat, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Salt to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make It:

1. Cook fettuccine according to package, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat and add garlic. Cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan, whisking until smooth.
4. Toss in cooked lobster and fettuccine, mixing to coat. Add pasta water as needed for creaminess.
5. Sprinkle with parsley and black pepper. Serve with lemon wedges.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of white wine to the cream sauce.

Serving Idea: Serve with crisp garlic bread and an arugula salad.

2. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Linguine

Why You’ll Love It:

Shrimp and pasta is a crowd pleaser, and this creamy version is always a hit for holiday weeknight dinners. It’s quick enough for after work but rich enough for something a little more special, and the garlic makes the whole dish glow.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces linguine
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to Make It:

1. Cook linguine per package instructions.
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, then remove and set aside.
4. Pour cream into pan, bring to a simmer, and stir in Parmesan.
5. Toss cooked pasta in sauce, then fold shrimp back in along with parsley and lemon juice.

Swap This With That: Substitute cooked scallops or cubes of white fish for shrimp.

Personal Note: This is my go-to for quick holiday dinners—it comes together faster than delivery.

3. Crab and Mascarpone Tagliatelle

Why You’ll Love It:

Mascarpone turns the sauce ultra-silky, and the sweet crab tastes like a treat. This is lovely for a Sunday night or even a New Year’s Eve meal, with a glass of wine nearby.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces tagliatelle
• 8 ounces lump crab meat
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 small lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or chives
• Black pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook tagliatelle until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and briefly sauté scallions.
3. Stir in mascarpone, lemon zest, and juice to create a sauce.
4. Add cooked tagliatelle and toss to coat, thinning with pasta water if needed.
5. Fold in crab gently, season, and top with herbs.

Serving Idea: Pair with a crisp green bean salad and some crusty bread.

4. Scallop and Spinach Cream Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

Seared scallops always feel restaurant-fancy, but this dish is homey too. The creamy spinach sauce adds a wintry touch and makes even an ordinary evening feel special.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 12 large sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook spaghetti; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil, quickly sear scallops 2 minutes per side, and set aside.
3. In same pan, add remaining oil; sauté garlic, then stir in cream and Parm.
4. Add spinach, stir to wilt. Toss in pasta, using reserved water for creaminess.
5. Top with scallops and lemon zest.

Flavor Boost: Finish with a few drops of truffle oil before serving.

5. Clam and Bacon Cream Sauce Rigatoni

Why You’ll Love It:

Bacon and clams make this feel rustic and hearty. The cream sauce mellows everything out, and it’s the kind of dish you want to eat when the snow is falling outside.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces rigatoni
• 12 ounces fresh clams, rinsed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook rigatoni; reserve some water.
2. Crisp bacon in pan; scoop out and set aside.
3. Add butter, shallot, and garlic; cook until soft.
4. Add clams, cover, cook until just opened.
5. Discard any unopened clams, pour in cream, stir, add bacon and pasta.
6. Toss with parsley, thin with pasta water if needed.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use canned chopped clams if fresh are too pricey.

6. Seafood Carbonara with Smoked Salmon

Why You’ll Love It:

Classic carbonara gets a luxurious twist with smoked salmon. This feels festive, with the salty salmon playing off the creamy, eggy sauce—a great December brunch pasta.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 4 ounces smoked salmon, sliced
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook spaghetti; save 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Whisk eggs, cream, Parmesan, and pepper together.
3. Toss hot pasta with butter. While still hot, pour egg mixture over and toss.
4. Add pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy sauce.
5. Gently mix in smoked salmon and chives.

Swap This With That: Use hot-smoked trout or cooked shrimp for a different seafood flavor.

7. Prawn and Pea Creamy Orzo

Why You’ll Love It:

Orzo is comforting, almost risotto-like when cooked in cream. Juicy prawns and bright peas make this an easy holiday lunch or dinner, especially for families.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 1/2 cups orzo
• 1 pound large prawns, peeled
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant.
2. Add orzo, stir, pour in enough water to cover by 1 inch.
3. Cook, stirring often, for 8 minutes, then add prawns and peas.
4. Continue cooking until orzo is tender, prawns are pink, then stir in cream and dill.
5. Season, top with lemon zest.

Best Pairings: Serve with lemony roasted broccoli or a butter lettuce salad.

8. Mussels in Saffron Cream Sauce Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

The saffron cream sauce makes this elegant without much effort, great for when you want to impress a group or just make a Tuesday feel special. Mussels are easy and forgiving.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces linguine
• 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, steeped in 1/4 cup hot water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Cook linguine and set aside.
2. Sauté shallot and garlic in butter until soft.
3. Add mussels, saffron water, and cream; cover and steam until mussels open.
4. Discard unopened mussels, toss sauce with linguine, season, and top with parsley.

Meal Prep Tip: Clean and debeard mussels ahead, storing in the fridge under a damp towel.

9. Tuscan Seafood Tortellini

Why You’ll Love It:

Cheese tortellini in a dreamy sun-dried tomato cream sauce, with tender bites of mixed seafood. It’s a potluck or holiday classic—crowd-pleasing and easy to double.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 18 ounces cheese tortellini
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled
• 1/2 pound bay scallops
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup chopped basil
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Boil tortellini and set aside.
2. Sauté shrimp and scallops in oil until just cooked, remove and set aside.
3. Sauté cherry and sun-dried tomatoes, add tomato paste and cream, simmer.
4. Return seafood and tortellini, toss and heat through.
5. Sprinkle with basil and Parmesan.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook the seafood or it will become rubbery.

10. Creamy White Wine Seafood Penne

Why You’ll Love It:

There’s nothing like the aroma of seafood, garlic, and white wine together. This penne dish uses whatever seafood you have, making it useful for freezer dives, and tastes divine with a little crusty bread.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces penne
• 3/4 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, or white fish)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook penne; set aside.
2. Sauté garlic in oil, add seafood, cook until just opaque.
3. Pour in wine, simmer until mostly evaporated.
4. Stir in cream and cheese, let thicken slightly.
5. Toss with penne and parsley, season to taste.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.

11. King Crab Mac and Cheese

Why You’ll Love It:

This is indulgence at its best—crab and cheese together in a bubbling casserole. It’s a showstopper for a holiday party or a big night at home with leftovers the next day.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 12 ounces king crab meat, chopped
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook macaroni; set aside.
2. Melt butter; whisk in flour, cook for 1 minutes.
3. Slowly whisk in milk, cook until thick. Stir in cheddar and Gruyere.
4. Mix pasta and crab with sauce, pour into baking dish.
5. Top with panko, Parmesan, and dabs of butter. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
6. Garnish with parsley.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use canned lump crab and extra cheddar for a more affordable option.

12. Salmon and Lemon Ricotta Farfalle

Why You’ll Love It:

This is lighter but still creamy—ricotta and lemon together make for a fresh-feeling twist to heavier winter pastas. The salmon cooks right in the sauce, so it’s a one-pan wonder.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces farfalle (bowtie pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound skinless salmon fillet, cubed
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook farfalle.
2. Sauté salmon in oil until just cooked; set aside.
3. In the same pan, mix ricotta, cream, lemon juice, and zest.
4. Fold in cooked salmon and pasta.
5. Garnish with dill.

Serving Idea: Serve with blanched asparagus or peas for color and crunch.

13. Tuscan Seafood Lasagna

Why You’ll Love It:

Lasagna layered with tender seafood, spinach, and a cheesy béchamel makes for a stunning family dinner. It’s creamy, flavorful, and tastes even better the next day.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hours

Total Time: 1 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 pound bay scallops
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Boil lasagna noodles; set aside.
2. Make béchamel: Melt butter, add flour, whisk in milk, add nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
3. Sauté shrimp and scallops in a little butter.
4. Layer noodles, ricotta, béchamel, spinach, seafood, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
5. Repeat layers and finish with cheese.
6. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, let stand before cutting.

Meal Prep Tip: Make ahead and bake just before dinner—it reheats beautifully.

14. Cajun Creamy Seafood Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

Spicy, savory, and heartwarming, this dish will wake up your tastebuds on a frosty December night. Use a Cajun seasoning blend for a simple way to get bold flavor.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces penne
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled
• 1/2 pound bay scallops
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook penne pasta.
2. Sauté shrimp and scallops with Cajun seasoning in olive oil. Remove seafood and set aside.
3. Add diced bell pepper to pan, sauté until soft.
4. Pour in cream and Parmesan, simmer to thicken.
5. Toss in pasta and seafood, heat through. Top with scallions.

Best Pairings: Cornbread, garlicky green beans, a big Caesar salad.

15. Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Shrimp Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a colorful take on seafood pasta for December, using roasted red peppers for a creamy, faintly sweet sauce that balances beautifully with shrimp.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled
• 1 cup roasted red peppers, drained
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Blend roasted peppers, cream, and garlic until smooth.
2. Cook spaghetti.
3. Sauté shrimp in olive oil until pink, remove.
4. Pour pepper sauce into pan, simmer, then stir in Parmesan.
5. Toss with spaghetti and shrimp, garnish with basil.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce.

16. Classic Creamy Seafood Chowder Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

Blending the heartiness of seafood chowder with pasta makes this extra cozy and satisfying—a December classic in my book. It’s thick, loaded, and belly-warming.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces small pasta shells
• 1/2 pound firm white fish, cubed
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled
• 1/2 pound clams, chopped
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups seafood stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Boil potatoes until just tender; set aside.
2. Cook pasta until just al dente.
3. Sauté onion in butter, add flour, then whisk in seafood stock.
4. Add fish, clams, shrimp, and potatoes; simmer until cooked through.
5. Stir in cream and cooked pasta, simmer gently, season, and add parsley.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook the pasta or it will get mushy in the chowder.

17. Crab-Stuffed Shells in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Why You’ll Love It:

Crab and ricotta tucked into jumbo shells, all baked with a rich tomato-cream sauce—this is holiday-worthy, but easy enough for any chilly weekend.

Serving size: Serves 5

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours

Ingredients Needed:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 8 ounces lump crab meat
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook shells; drain and set aside.
2. Mix crab, ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each shell with crab mixture.
4. Mix marinara and cream; pour some in baking dish, line with shells.
5. Top with more sauce, sprinkle mozzarella, bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

Meal Prep Tip: Stuff the shells a day ahead, cover, and bake when ready.

18. Creamy Seafood Pesto Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

If you have extra basil, this is the way to use it, marrying the freshness of pesto with the luxury of seafood in a creamy sauce. Perfect for a festive green-and-gold winter meal.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces linguine
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled
• 1/2 pound calamari rings
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook linguine; set aside.
2. Sauté shrimp and calamari in olive oil.
3. Stir in cream and pesto, let bubble for 2 minutes.
4. Toss pasta with sauce and seafood, sprinkle with Parmesan and pine nuts.

Swap This With That: Use store-bought or homemade pesto—either works wonderfully.

FAQ

Can I use frozen seafood in these recipes?

Absolutely. Just thaw your seafood as directed on the package and pat dry before adding it to your pasta. Frozen seafood is often just as fresh as what you find at the fish counter.

How do I avoid overcooking seafood in pasta dishes?

Add seafood towards the end of cooking, when the sauce is nearly done and pasta is ready. Most seafood only needs a few minutes to cook—when it turns opaque and firms up, it’s done.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover creamy seafood pasta?

Heat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream, stirring just until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, or the seafood can get rubbery.

Can I make creamy seafood pasta ahead of time for a party?

Many of these recipes (like baked crab-stuffed shells or lasagna) are great for prepping in advance. For stovetop pastas, you can prep the sauce and pasta ahead, but combine and reheat just before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

There’s real magic in gathering at the table and sharing a big, creamy, seafood-studded pasta on a cold December night. These bowls are rich enough to feel festive but simple enough for every day—and there’s always room to make them your own. Whether you try lobster fettuccine for date night or tuck into crab mac and cheese on a snowy weekend, these recipes are designed to help you cook with confidence all winter long. So grab your pot, pour a glass of something delicious, and let a little creamy seafood comfort warm up your December evenings.