Dreamy Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Whipping up a delectable creamy shrimp and crab spinach dish promises culinary magic in mere minutes.

My latest kitchen adventure combines ocean-fresh seafood with vibrant greens for an extraordinary meal.

Rich, velvety textures mingle beautifully across each forkful of this elegant creation.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore how simple ingredients transform into something spectacular.

Comfort meets sophistication in this recipe that practically guarantees impressed dinner guests.

Seasonal spinach adds a nutritious green backdrop to succulent seafood medley.

Dive into this restaurant-quality experience without leaving your kitchen, you’ll want seconds before finishing firsts.

Why Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Is Irresistible

• Quick Family Feast: This seafood delight brings everyone together with its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors that appeal to both adults and kids.
• Master Chef at Home: Surprisingly simple cooking steps make you feel like a professional chef, creating a restaurant-quality dish without complex techniques.
• Nutritious Indulgence: Packed with protein from shrimp and crab, plus nutrient-dense spinach, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or a special weeknight treat, this dish adapts to any occasion with its elegant yet comforting profile.

Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach

• Shrimp: Fresh ocean protein that provides a delicate sweet flavor to the dish.
• Crabmeat: Tender seafood that adds rich marine richness and delicate texture.

• Heavy Cream: Smooth base that creates a luxurious and velvety sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a robust and fragrant flavor profile.
• Spinach: Nutrient-dense green that adds color and earthy undertones to the creamy dish.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy element that provides a subtle heat and complexity to the sauce.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Stage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a perfect base for your seafood adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatic Foundations

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the skillet, stirring until they release their mouth-watering fragrance and turn slightly translucent.

Step 3: Introduce Seafood Stars

Add succulent shrimp to the pan, cooking until they transform into a beautiful pink color. Then gently fold in tender crabmeat, letting the proteins mingle and dance together.

Step 4: Create Silky Cream Sauce

Pour rich heavy cream into the skillet, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and create a luxurious, velvety texture that coats each ingredient.

Step 5: Enhance with Flavor Boosters

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a touch of red pepper flakes, which will add depth and a subtle kick to the dish.

Step 6: Embrace Green Goodness

Add fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they gracefully wilt and integrate into the creamy seafood mixture, bringing color and nutritional value.

Step 7: Final Seasoning Touch

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste, balancing and elevating the overall flavor profile of your culinary creation.

Step 8: Serve and Celebrate

Transfer the creamy shrimp and crab spinach to serving plates, presenting a restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to impress and delight.

Tips for Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Success

• Choose fresh, high-quality seafood for the best flavor and texture in this creamy dish.
• Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories without losing richness.
• Ensure shrimp are fully cooked but not overdone to prevent rubbery texture.
• Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat or skip them for a milder version.
• Serve over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles to make the meal more filling and versatile.

Different Versions of Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach

• Coastal Mediterranean Mix: Replace crabmeat with chopped kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese, adding oregano and lemon zest for a Greek-inspired seafood dish.
• Spicy Cajun Fusion: Incorporate Cajun seasoning, andouille sausage chunks, and swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a zesty New Orleans-style preparation.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute spinach with cauliflower rice, use extra cream cheese for thickness, and add extra red pepper flakes for enhanced flavor profile.
• Asian Inspired Remix: Include ginger, soy sauce, and green onions, replacing Parmesan with sesame seeds and adding a splash of rice wine for a light, aromatic variation.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the creamy seafood dish, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
• Bread Companion: Serve alongside toasted garlic crostini or a rustic sourdough to soak up the luxurious sauce and add textural contrast.
• Side Salad Suggestion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy intensity and provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint.
• Temperature Tip: Plate the seafood mixture over warm rice or pasta to create a complete meal that highlights the delicate flavors of shrimp and crab.

Storage Tips for Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 1-2 days, ensuring the seafood remains fresh and safe to eat.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Seafood-based dishes can lose texture when frozen, so consume quickly.
• Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions on Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach

• Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and crab. Just ensure they’re completely thawed and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely for a milder version.

• What type of Parmesan cheese works best?

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the richest flavor and smoothest texture. Pre-grated cheese can work but may not melt as smoothly.

• How do I know when the shrimp are cooked properly?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a C-shape. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.

Creamy Shrimp and Crab Spinach Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent shrimp and crab dance with tender spinach in this luxurious coastal-inspired dish that whispers Mediterranean charm. Delicate seafood and greens meld into a rich, silky experience you’ll savor down to the last delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb (454 g) lump crabmeat

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup (75 g) finely chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 oz (142 g) baby spinach

Dairy, Oils, and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a flavorful foundation for the seafood medley.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.
3. Gently incorporate raw shrimp, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a vibrant pink color, signaling perfect doneness.
4. Delicately fold in delicate crabmeat, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the shrimp.
5. Stream rich heavy cream into the skillet, gradually bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer, creating a luxurious base.
6. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a hint of red pepper flakes, stirring to distribute the zesty and savory notes.
7. Add fresh spinach leaves, letting them gradually wilt and integrate into the creamy seafood mixture, which takes approximately 1-2 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
9. Transfer the steaming, creamy seafood creation to serving plates, ensuring each portion captures the harmonious blend of ingredients.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality seafood for the best flavor and texture.
• Opt for wild-caught shrimp and fresh crabmeat if possible to enhance the dish’s richness.
• Keep the heat moderate when cooking seafood to prevent rubbery texture and maintain tenderness.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 352 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg