This crustacean garlic noodle recipe combines tender noodles with fresh crustaceans such as shrimp, crab, or lobster, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a flavorful, quick, and versatile dish that can be served for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or entertaining guests. The recipe highlights the natural sweetness of shellfish while delivering the aromatic richness of garlic, creating a satisfying and gourmet noodle experience.
Servings 2servings
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Ingredients
200gspaghetti or linguine noodles
250gfresh shrimpcrab meat, or lobster (cleaned and deveined)
Cook the Noodles: Boil spaghetti or linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Prepare the Crustaceans: Clean and devein shrimp, or prepare crab/lobster meat. Pat dry to prevent excess water in the pan.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.
Cook the Crustaceans: Add shrimp, crab, or lobster to the skillet. Cook for 3–5 minutes until just opaque. Avoid overcooking.
Combine Noodles and Sauce: Toss the drained noodles into the garlic butter and seafood mixture. Add reserved pasta water gradually to help coat noodles evenly.
Season and Garnish: Add salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes. Finish with chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories450kcal
Notes
Seafood Variations: Swap shrimp for crab or lobster depending on preference or availability. Scallops can also be used for a richer flavor.
Noodle Choice: Spaghetti, linguine, or egg noodles work best. Adjust cooking time according to the noodle type.
Spice Level: Add more red chili flakes or fresh chilies for a spicy version.
Storage: Best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of pasta water to prevent drying.
Extra Flavor: A splash of white wine in the garlic butter sauce can add depth and sophistication to the dish.