14+ Shrimp and Scallops Pasta Recipes Creamy And Comforting

There are nights when only the creamiest, most comforting pasta will do—the kind that fills the kitchen with the scent of garlic and sea breeze. Some of my favorite evenings are the ones I spend curled up with a bowl of shrimp and scallops pasta, whether it’s a quick weeknight treat after picking up fresh seafood, or a rainy Sunday with friends gathered around the table. Seafood and creamy pasta just feel nostalgic to me, like family gatherings at my grandma’s or a celebratory dinner out somewhere special. If you’re on the lookout for 14+ Shrimp & Scallops Pasta Recipes Creamy And Comforting, these are the ideas that I reach for again and again whenever I crave something equal parts luxurious and homey.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Scallops Fettuccine

Why You’ll Love It:

The bright pop of lemon keeps this creamy dish from feeling heavy, and the garlicky seafood is always a crowd-pleaser with family or dinner guests. It’s weeknight-friendly but elegant enough for a celebratory meal, and you can use fresh or frozen seafood.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz fettuccine
• 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz sea scallops, patted dry
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Olive oil for searing

How to Make It:

1. Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. Pat shrimp and scallops dry, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear scallops about 1–2 minutes per side until golden, then transfer to a plate.
4. Add shrimp to the same pan, cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink, set aside.
5. Lower heat. Add butter and garlic; sauté 1 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and lemon zest/juice; simmer until slightly thickened.
6. Add drained pasta to sauce with reserved pasta water if needed. Toss to coat.
7. Top with shrimp and scallops. Sprinkle with parsley and more lemon zest.

Flavor Boost: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce when sautéing garlic.

Meal Prep Tip: Prep seafood ahead by cleaning, patting dry, and storing in the fridge until ready to cook.

Parmesan Cream Shrimp & Scallops Linguine

Why You’ll Love It:

Think cozy date night at home, with delicate linguine tossed in a Parmesan-rich sauce. The seafood cooks in minutes, so it’s special but doable on a busy night. Kids usually love this one, too.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz linguine
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz scallops
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped basil

How to Make It:

1. Start linguine in salted boiling water. When al dente, reserve a little water and drain.
2. Meanwhile, melt 1 tbsp butter in skillet. Sear scallops 1–2 minutes per side, set aside. Sauté shrimp until just cooked, remove.
3. Add 2 tbsp butter and garlic to skillet. Stir in half and half, then parmesan.
4. Simmer sauce until thick, season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss linguine in sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.
6. Add shrimp and scallops, sprinkle with basil, and serve hot.

Flavor Boost: Drop in a handful of baby spinach before serving for freshness and color.

Spicy Cajun Cream Seafood Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

For those who like things bold, this pasta brings the heat with Cajun seasoning while still feeling rich and creamy. It’s a favorite for a Friday night with a glass of white wine and crusty bread.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 10 oz penne or rotini
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz scallops
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 scallions, sliced

How to Make It:

1. Boil pasta in salted water, drain and reserve.
2. Toss shrimp and scallops with Cajun seasoning. Sear in olive oil until just cooked, set aside.
3. Reduce heat, add butter and garlic to pan. Add cream, bring to a low simmer, then stir in parmesan.
4. Add cooked pasta to sauce and toss to coat.
5. Return shrimp and scallops, toss well.
6. Top with scallions and serve.

Swap This With That: Use smoked sausage slices for a heartier, southern spin.

Tuscan Cream Shrimp & Scallops Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

This one’s full of sundried tomatoes and spinach, inspired by Italian trattorias—so comforting and great for a chilly night in with red wine and good company.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz scallops
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook pasta in salted water, reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid.
2. Sear scallops in 1 tbsp oil and set aside. Sauté shrimp and remove.
3. Lower to medium, add butter and garlic to skillet. Add sundried tomatoes, then pour in cream.
4. Simmer until slightly thickened, add Parmesan, and stir.
5. Wilt in spinach. Add pasta with a splash of reserved water.
6. Return shrimp and scallops, toss gently, and serve.

Best Pairings: Pair with garlic bread, arugula salad, and a glass of Chianti.

Creamy Seafood Alfredo Bake

Why You’ll Love It:

This baked version is about pure comfort—creamy pasta meets gooey cheese and golden seafood, making it ideal for feeding a small crowd or bringing to a potluck.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 16 oz penne or ziti pasta
• 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 oz scallops
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook pasta until al dente and drain.
2. Sauté shrimp and scallops in oil until just cooked, set aside.
3. Melt butter, cook garlic until fragrant. Whisk in cream and milk, simmer, then stir in Parmesan.
4. Add drained pasta, seafood, and most of mozzarella to sauce, toss.
5. Pour into a baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella.
6. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley.

Meal Prep Tip: This bake can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.

Garlic White Wine Shrimp & Scallops Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

If you love Italian seafood pastas, this silky white wine sauce will remind you of classic trattoria dishes—just the right balance of richness and freshness for a romantic night.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz linguine
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz scallops
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 large garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook linguine in salted water, drain, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Sear scallops and shrimp in oil, remove and set aside.
3. In same pan, sauté garlic slices until fragrant. Deglaze with wine and simmer until reduced by half.
4. Stir in cream; add pasta and toss to coat, loosening with pasta water.
5. Return seafood, season with salt and pepper. Serve with lemon zest and parsley.

Best Pairings: Side of Caesar salad and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

One-Pot Creamy Shrimp & Scallops Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

Minimal cleanup meets maximum flavor here. Everything simmers in a single pan—ideal for busy weeknights or small kitchens. It tastes like far more effort than it takes.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz fusilli or farfalle pasta
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz scallops
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 1/2 cups chicken or seafood stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp chopped chives
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a large deep skillet. Sauté garlic for 1 minutes.
2. Add uncooked pasta, stock, and cream. Simmer, stirring, until pasta is almost tender (8–10 minutes).
3. Add shrimp and scallops, cook until seafood is opaque and pasta is done.
4. Stir in Parmesan and lemon zest. Season to taste and garnish with chives.

Personal Note: I make this when I don’t want to stand over the stove—just toss, stir, and serve.

Creamy Tomato Basil Shrimp & Scallops Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

The tang of tomatoes balances the cream, making this a year-round favorite. It’s a lighter comfort option and gets gobbled up by even picky eaters.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz tagliatelle or fettuccine
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz scallops
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook pasta, drain and set aside.
2. Sear shrimp and scallops in oil, transfer to a plate.
3. In same skillet, sauté garlic, add tomatoes and simmer 5 minutes.
4. Stir in cream and Parmesan, cook to thicken.
5. Return seafood, toss with pasta, mix in fresh basil and season.

Swap This With That: Substitute half the cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.

Creamy Pesto Shrimp & Scallops Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

The pesto adds fresh herbal notes, and the creamy sauce brings comfort. Perfect for end-of-summer dinners with basil from the garden or farmers’ market.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz rotini or gemelli pasta
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz scallops
• 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade basil pesto
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• Fresh basil, torn

How to Make It:

1. Cook pasta, drain and reserve.
2. Sear seafood in oil, set aside.
3. Add cream to pan, simmer 2 minutes, then stir in pesto.
4. Add Parmesan, return pasta and seafood. Toss to coat.
5. Garnish with pine nuts and basil.

Flavor Boost: Add lemon zest to the sauce for brightness.

Shrimp & Scallops Mac and Cheese

Why You’ll Love It:

Kid- and adult-approved plus easy to double for a dinner party—this is classic mac and cheese, leveled up with tender seafood for a restaurant-quality treat.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 10 oz shrimp, peeled and chopped
• 8 oz scallops, chopped
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Gruyère
• 1/2 cup Parmesan
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook macaroni al dente, drain.
2. Sauté shrimp and scallops until just cooked. Set aside.
3. Melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux.
4. Gradually add milk and cream, whisk until smooth and thick.
5. Stir in cheese, season. Add cooked pasta, seafood; mix well.
6. Transfer to casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs.
7. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Sprinkle parsley to finish.

Meal Prep Tip: Assemble in the morning, bake off at dinner.

Shrimp, Scallops & Mushroom Alfredo Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

Mushrooms add a meaty, earthy note to the classic creamy Alfredo, making this a little more substantial and great for cooler months.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz fettuccine
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz scallops
• 6 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp parsley

How to Make It:

1. Cook pasta, drain and reserve.
2. Sauté mushrooms in butter until golden. Set aside.
3. Sear shrimp and scallops, set aside.
4. Melt more butter, sauté garlic, pour in cream and simmer to thicken.
5. Add Parmesan to melt, season well.
6. Toss pasta, mushrooms, seafood in sauce. Garnish with parsley.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook the mushrooms; they should stay juicy and tender.

Creamy Shrimp, Scallops & Peas Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

Bright green peas pop against the creamy sauce and seafood, making this especially appealing for spring. It’s a gentle way to introduce more seafood to kids, too.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz shell or orecchiette pasta
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz bay scallops
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup light cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper
• Chives or microgreens

How to Make It:

1. Cook pasta, add peas during last 2 minutes. Drain.
2. Sear shrimp and scallops in butter, set aside.
3. Add cream to pan, warm through, then melt in Parmesan.
4. Combine pasta, seafood, and sauce, toss well. Top with chives.

Serving Idea: Lovely for an Easter brunch or spring dinner alongside lemony asparagus.

Scallop & Shrimp Capellini with Spinach Cream

Why You’ll Love It:

Capellini soaks up the sauce beautifully, and the pureed spinach cream brings color and sneaky vegetables. It’s a favorite for lighter, elegant dinners.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz capellini
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz scallops
• 5 oz baby spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Boil pasta and set aside.
2. Wilt spinach in a saucepan with cream and garlic, then puree until smooth.
3. Sear shrimp and scallops in olive oil, season and remove.
4. Return spinach cream to pan, stir in Parmesan and lemon.
5. Toss in pasta, then top with seafood and zest for serving.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the spinach cream for warmth.

Shrimp & Bay Scallop Creamy Orzo

Why You’ll Love It:

Creamy orzo feels like sophisticated grown-up mac and cheese. It’s cozy, spoonable, and comes together quickly—a great pantry and freezer meal.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 1/2 cups orzo
• 8 oz small shrimp, peeled
• 8 oz bay scallops
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cups chicken or seafood stock
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Sauté orzo in butter until golden, 2–3 minutes.
2. Add stock and milk, bring to simmer.
3. Add shrimp and scallops, cook until just done and orzo is tender.
4. Stir in cheese and thyme, season and serve.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use frozen shrimp and scallops to save money.

Shrimp & Scallops Gnocchi Alfredo

Why You’ll Love It:

Pillowy gnocchi drenched in cream sauce feels extra decadent—just right for when you want to treat yourself or spoil a loved one.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb shelf-stable or fresh potato gnocchi
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz scallops
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup Parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp parsley

How to Make It:

1. Cook gnocchi according to package. Drain.
2. Sear shrimp and scallops in butter, remove.
3. Add garlic, then cream to skillet, and simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan, season.
5. Toss gnocchi in sauce, add seafood back in, sprinkle parsley.

Serving Idea: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or buttered peas.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp and scallops for these creamy pasta recipes?

Yes, just thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before cooking. Frozen seafood is often flash-frozen at peak freshness and works very well.

How do I avoid overcooking shrimp and scallops in pasta recipes?

Cook seafood quickly over high heat and remove as soon as it turns opaque and slightly firm. Add it back to the sauce at the end to prevent rubbery texture.

Which pasta shapes are best for creamy shrimp and scallop sauces?

Wide noodles like fettuccine, linguine, and penne hold up well with creamy sauces. Orzo, shells, and even gnocchi are great for soaking up the sauce.

Can I make any of these recipes lighter?

You can swap out some or all of the cream with half-and-half, milk, or even Greek yogurt to reduce richness, and use less cheese if you prefer.

Conclusion

Creamy shrimp and scallops pasta recipes just have a way of turning an average dinner into something you remember—a cozy bowl, a tangle of noodles, the sweet bite of seafood. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal, planning a date night, or feeding a hungry crowd, there’s something on this list that fits the bill. Don’t be afraid to try new twists, improvise with what you have, and make these comfort meals your own. Delicious things happen when you trust yourself in the kitchen and cook with what you love. Enjoy every forkful.