Romantic Seafood Pasta Dish

Name: Romantic Seafood Pasta Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 200g fettuccine pasta; 150g shrimp, peeled and deveined; 150g scallops; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped; Red pepper flakes

Highlighted under: Taste the World Recipes

I absolutely adore creating dishes that not only taste exquisite but also set the perfect mood for a romantic evening. This Romantic Seafood Pasta Dish combines the delicate flavors of fresh seafood with a creamy, rich sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully. It’s a dish I often prepare for special occasions, and it never fails to impress. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water! I love how simple yet elegant this dish is, making it a go-to recipe for an intimate dinner for two.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-13T14:19:29.680Z

When I first tried this Romantic Seafood Pasta Dish, I was taken aback by how well the flavors came together. The succulent shrimp and tender scallops pair perfectly with a luscious garlic cream sauce. I remember cooking this for a special date night, and it instantly became a favorite. The key is to sauté the seafood just until it's opaque to keep it tender and juicy.

As I plated the dish, I garnished it with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for that enticing pop of color. The presentation, combined with the tantalizing aroma, makes this dish truly irresistible. Don't forget to serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Aromatic garlic and herbs create a romantic ambiance
Silky sauce that perfectly clings to the pasta
Fresh seafood brings a touch of the ocean to your dining table

      

The Perfect Pasta Choice

Using fettuccine pasta is key for this Romantic Seafood Pasta Dish. Its wide, flat shape allows the creamy sauce to cling beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. If you prefer a different pasta type, linguine or tagliatelle can also work well, but avoid shapes like penne or farfalle, as they may not hold the sauce as effectively. Cooking the pasta to al dente is critical; it should be firm to the bite, providing a lovely contrast to the tender seafood and rich sauce.

Be sure to salt your pasta water generously. This step enhances the overall flavor of the dish, providing a savory backdrop to the seafood and creamy sauce. A good rule of thumb is to make the water taste like the ocean. Remember, you can always add salt later, but it's hard to take it away once the pasta is done!

Enhancing the Sauce

The sauce for this dish is a delightful blend of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, making it both rich and comforting. To ensure the sauce reaches the perfect consistency, I recommend keeping the heat at a gentle medium. This allows the cream to simmer without boiling, which can cause it to separate. Stir continuously to create a smooth, glossy texture that clings beautifully to the pasta.

If you're looking to add more depth to your sauce, consider incorporating white wine after sautéing the garlic. A splash of dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, adds acidity that balances the creaminess and complements the seafood. Just let it reduce by half before adding the cream for a truly restaurant-quality flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving this Romantic Seafood Pasta Dish immediately ensures that the pasta remains al dente and the seafood tender. I recommend plating the dish in shallow bowls, which not only enhances presentation but also allows easier access to the creamy sauce. Adding a touch of fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes not only elevates the flavor profile but also adds a pop of color—vital for that romantic dining experience.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the seafood from becoming rubbery. A splash of milk or additional cream can help revive the sauce's consistency, ensuring it remains luxuriously creamy rather than clumpy.

Ingredients

Pasta & Seafood

200g fettuccine pasta
150g shrimp, peeled and deveined
150g scallops
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped
Red pepper flakes

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Seafood

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and scallops, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they are just cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring it to a gentle simmer and add the Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.

Combine All Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta and seafood back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to combine and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for deeper flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a lighter alternative to heavy cream, you could use half-and-half or a combination of Greek yogurt and milk. Just remember that using lighter options may alter the richness of the sauce, but it can still yield a delicious result. Additionally, for those who cannot eat seafood, grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms can be excellent substitutes, offering their own unique flavors while maintaining the creamy sauce base.

For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan. This swap retains a creamy texture and adds a subtle sweetness. Keep in mind, though, that the overall flavor profile may be quite different, so adjust seasonings accordingly to ensure a satisfying result.

Meal Prep Ideas

While this seafood pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can streamline your cooking by prepping ingredients in advance. Clean and devein the shrimp, and slice the scallops a day before cooking. Store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container to maintain freshness. You can also measure out your cheese and garlic, ensuring everything is ready to go when you're ready to cook, making the process much quicker on the day you plan to serve it.

If you're hosting a special dinner and want to reduce kitchen time during service, consider preparing the sauce ahead of time. Simply reheat it gently on low before adding the seafood, which only requires a few minutes to cook through. Keep in mind that freshly cooked pasta is always best, so cook it last—just before serving, for optimal texture.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement your Romantic Seafood Pasta Dish, consider serving it with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc. These wines enhance the seafood flavors and cut through the richness of the cream, creating a balanced dining experience. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing touch without overpowering the meal.

A simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice makes a perfect side dish, providing a peppery contrast to the creamy pasta. The freshness of the greens helps cleanse the palate between bites, allowing you to enjoy each element of your romantic feast!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different seafood?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add your favorite seafood options like mussels or crab.

→ Is this dish good for meal prep?

While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and seafood in advance and combine them just before serving.

→ What can I serve with this pasta dish?

A crisp green salad and a glass of white wine pair beautifully with this romantic meal.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can use coconut cream and nutritional yeast as alternatives for a dairy-free version.