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Enticing Festive Seafood Pasta with Shrimp

Featured in Pasta and Noodles.

Bring something unforgettable to your holiday table with this creamy and festive seafood pasta. Tender shrimp are paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti, all coated in a luxurious white sauce brimming with bold flavors from sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and a trio of melted cheeses. Smoked paprika adds a warm touch to the mix. A stunning dish that’s both elegant and approachable, perfect for impressing your guests!
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punchofyummy
Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:17:54 GMT
A festive seafood pasta featuring rich shrimp and a creamy sauce, perfect for special occasions. Pin it
A festive seafood pasta featuring rich shrimp and a creamy sauce, perfect for special occasions. | pinchofyummy.com

Experience the ultimate holiday pasta dish that brings together tender seafood and rich Italian flavors. This elegant recipe features perfectly cooked spaghetti in a velvety three-cheese cream sauce, crowned with unique salmon meatballs and succulent shrimp. The combination delivers a sophisticated yet comforting meal that celebrates both pasta and seafood traditions.

This recipe emerged from countless holiday dinner parties where I sought to create something truly memorable. The salmon meatballs became an instant conversation piece, while the rich sauce earned praise for its perfect consistency. Each component plays an essential role in creating a harmonious, elevated pasta experience.

Key Ingredients

  • Spaghetti: Premium bronze-die pasta ensures optimal sauce adhesion
  • Half and Half: Creates the ideal richness for the sauce base
  • Cheese Blend: Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano each contribute distinct flavors
  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh, bright-colored center cuts work best
  • Large Shrimp: Look for firm, translucent raw shrimp
  • Sun-dried Tomatoes: Choose oil-packed for better flavor
  • Panko: Creates perfectly textured meatballs
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds color and brightness

Preparation Guide

The Sauce:
Begin with a butter-flour roux, gradually incorporating warmed half-and-half. Add stock slowly, whisking continuously for smoothness.
Seafood Tips:
Ensure shrimp are thoroughly dried before cooking. Cook salmon just until done for moist meatballs.
Pasta Method:
Cook in well-salted water until slightly firm. Save cooking water for sauce adjustments.
Meatball Technique:
Mix salmon gently, portion evenly, and chill before cooking for best results.
Holiday seafood pasta paired with juicy salmon meatballs and fresh herbs. Pin it
Holiday seafood pasta paired with juicy salmon meatballs and fresh herbs. | pinchofyummy.com

The finest version of this dish came together at a coastal holiday gathering using just-caught salmon. The exceptional quality of fresh local seafood elevated every element of the recipe.

Serving Presentation

Arrange on a heated platter with meatballs placed artfully around the edges. Top with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges. Accompany with warm crusty bread and a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon and olive oil.

Recipe Variations

Try adding sea scallops or lobster meat. Infuse the sauce with saffron threads. Add spice with Calabrian chili paste. Create a lighter version using half zucchini noodles.

Storage Guidelines

Keep sauce and pasta in separate containers. Freeze uncooked meatballs for later use. When reheating, add fresh cream and reserved pasta water to restore the sauce consistency. Avoid freezing the completed dish.

Flavorful salmon meatballs served with seafood spaghetti in a savory sauce. Pin it
Flavorful salmon meatballs served with seafood spaghetti in a savory sauce. | pinchofyummy.com

This holiday pasta dish represents years of culinary refinement. Attention to detail - from ingredient temperatures to timing - ensures consistent success. It has become a cherished recipe for many families, proving that seafood pasta can deliver both elegance and comfort in equal measure.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it possible to make the sauce ahead of time?
You bet! Get the white sauce ready up to two days ahead. Just warm it up slowly while stirring and, if needed, add a bit more half and half to loosen it up.
→ What other cheeses can I use instead of the mix in this recipe?
Go with any combo of firm Italian cheeses! Parmesan alone works great, or mix it with some pecorino for a nice blend.
→ Can I switch out the shrimp for other seafood?
Sure thing! Scallops, lobster, or a seafood medley all work wonderfully. Just tweak the cooking times based on your choice.
→ Why do I need to save the water from the pasta?
The starch in the cooking water makes the sauce smoother and helps it stick better to the pasta.
→ How do I stop the sauce from separating?
Keep the heat low when reheating, and stir it consistently. If it looks too thick, whisk in warm half and half bit by bit.

Festive Seafood Pasta with Shrimp

This rich and creamy pasta highlights shrimp and roasted red peppers, making it a perfect choice for holidays or special gatherings.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Amelia

Category: Pasta and Noodles

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Creamy White Sauce

01 1 cup chicken bone broth or stock
02 4 tablespoons any cooking fat—use olive oil, bacon grease, or butter
03 Salt and black pepper, as much as you like
04 A cup of grated cheese blend (go for romano, parmesan, and asiago)
05 4 tablespoons regular flour
06 2 1/3 cups half-and-half, split into portions
07 Add 2 tablespoons butter (if you want it creamier)
08 1/3 teaspoon smoky paprika powder

→ Vegetables and Shrimp

09 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing
10 1/3 cup chopped sundried tomatoes (packed with flavor)
11 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, diced up nice and small
12 A pound of shrimp—make sure they're cooked, thawed, and dried well
13 1 cup diced onions (any kind works)
14 3 cloves of garlic, minced finely

→ Pasta

15 3 tablespoons of the starchy water from cooking your pasta
16 A pound of spaghetti noodles
17 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for tossing the pasta

Instructions

Step 01

Set your skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook till it’s a golden, blonde shade. Slowly whisk in most of your half-and-half along with the chicken stock and the smoked paprika. Once it starts thickening, add the cheese and whisk till gooey and smooth. Sprinkle some salt and pepper in there, then set aside for a bit.

Step 02

Warm up olive oil in another pan and toss in the onion and garlic. Let them soften and smell amazing, which takes about three minutes. Add your roasted peppers, sundried tomatoes, and shrimp. Just heat it enough to mix together since the shrimp is already cooked.

Step 03

Get a big pot of water boiling and cook the spaghetti till it’s just right—not too soft. Save a little pasta water (around 3 tablespoons) before draining. Toss the drained pasta in olive oil with that reserved water.

Step 04

Pour the pasta into the sauce and mix till every noodle is well-coated. Gently fold the veggies and shrimp into the pasta. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, thin it out with the leftover half-and-half or extra butter.

Notes

  1. Perfect dish to share during festive holidays
  2. Switch the seafood if you’re in the mood for something new!
  3. You can prep the sauce earlier and just warm it up later

Tools You'll Need

  • A big skillet for sauce
  • A large pot for boiling pasta
  • Something to strain pasta, like a colander
  • Whisk for mixing the sauce

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has shellfish (shrimp) in it
  • Contains dairy (butter, cheese, half-and-half)
  • Not gluten-free (flour and pasta included)