Pappas’ Shrimp & Crab Pappardelle Pasta is a luxurious seafood pasta dish that brings together succulent shrimp and tender crab, perfectly paired with silky pappardelle. Ideal for special occasions or a gourmet dinner at home, it’s a celebration of flavor in every bite.
The Recipe: A Brief Overview
This recipe features:
- Pappardelle pasta: Wide, flat noodles perfect for capturing creamy sauces.
- Shrimp and crab meat: Fresh seafood that adds rich flavors and a touch of luxury.
- Garlic and shallots: Aromatics that elevate the dish’s depth.
- Creamy white sauce: Often made with heavy cream, Parmesan, and a splash of white wine or lemon for acidity.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shrimp & Crab Pappardelle Pasta
Creating the perfect Shrimp & Crab Pappardelle Pasta is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tried-and-true tips:
- Choose Fresh Seafood: Fresh shrimp and lump crab meat are key to a flavorful dish. If fresh isn’t an option, high-quality frozen seafood works well—just ensure it’s fully thawed.
- Cook Shrimp Just Right: Overcooking shrimp can lead to a rubbery texture. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, usually 2-3 minutes per side.
- Salt the Pasta Water: Add a generous amount of salt to your boiling pasta water—it enhances the flavor of the noodles.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with parsley or basil for a pop of freshness and color.
- Don’t Skimp on Parmesan: A good Parmesan cheese adds depth to the creamy sauce. Grate it fresh for the best results.
Variations of Pappas’ Shrimp & Crab Pappardelle Pasta
Looking to make this dish your own? Try these variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning to spice things up.
- Citrusy Twist: Incorporate lemon zest or juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in sautéed spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pappardelle or substitute with zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
- Cheese Upgrade: Experiment with Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a unique cheesy twist.
How to Serve Shrimp & Crab Pappardelle Pasta
This dish is a showstopper on its own but can be elevated further with thoughtful accompaniments:
- Side Salad: A crisp arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce.
- White Wine Pairing: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the seafood beautifully.
How to Store Shrimp & Crab Pappardelle Pasta
If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence with this dish!), proper storage is essential:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
- Freezer: While freezing is possible, it can affect the texture of the seafood. If freezing, store in individual portions and consume within a month.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While pappardelle is ideal for its wide, flat shape that holds sauce well, alternatives like fettuccine or tagliatelle work just as beautifully.
What type of crab meat is best?
Lump or jumbo lump crab meat is recommended for its sweet flavor and tender texture. Avoid canned crab, as it often lacks the fresh taste this dish demands.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat gently over low heat in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.
Is white wine necessary for the sauce?
While white wine adds a lovely depth, you can skip it or replace it with chicken broth or a squeeze of lemon for acidity.
Pappas' Shrimp & Crab Pappardelle Pasta
Pappas’ Shrimp & Crab Pappardelle Pasta is a luxurious seafood pasta dish that brings together succulent shrimp and tender crab, perfectly paired with silky pappardelle. Ideal for special occasions or a gourmet dinner at home, it’s a celebration of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra jumbo shrimp (16-20 count)
- 1 (8.8 oz) package DeLallo Egg Pappardelle
- 1/4 cup DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice + zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (more to taste)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the shrimp: If frozen, thaw shrimp by running them under cool water. Peel and devein if needed, leaving the tails on for extra flair. Prepping all ingredients in advance is key, as this dish comes together quickly.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle until al dente, reserving a cup of hot pasta water before draining.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the same skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds. Stir in lemon juice, zest, parsley, Italian seasoning, and 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add the cooked pappardelle, tossing to coat. Add more pasta water if needed to make a silky sauce.
- Combine: Add the shrimp back into the skillet and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 716Total Fat 59gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 48gCholesterol 303mgSodium 1285mgCarbohydrates 15gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 32g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Pappas’ Shrimp & Crab Pappardelle Pasta is a testament to how simple, high-quality ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re preparing it for a dinner party or a cozy night in, this dish guarantees rave reviews.
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