Luscious Shrimp and Crab Florentine
If you’re craving a restaurant-worthy seafood dinner that feels elegant but comes together in just 30 minutes, this Luscious Shrimp and Crab Florentine is exactly what you need. Tender shrimp, sweet lump crab meat, and fresh spinach are folded into a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that’s rich without being overwhelming.
This dish tastes like something you’d order at a coastal bistro—but trust me, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Whether you’re planning a cozy date night, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m always looking for recipes that feel elevated without requiring complicated techniques, and this one checks every box.
- It’s ready in just 30 minutes
- Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients
- Feels luxurious and impressive
- Perfect over pasta, rice, or crusty bread
- Balanced with fresh lemon and herbs
The combination of shrimp and crab creates a beautiful contrast of textures—plump and juicy meets tender and flaky. Add in garlicky spinach and creamy Parmesan sauce, and it’s pure comfort with a touch of sophistication.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb lump crab meat
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best, but jumbo shrimp make it even more dramatic for special occasions.
Crab: Lump crab gives the best texture. Claw meat works in a pinch but will have a stronger flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal, but frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) can be substituted.
Cream Alternative: For a slightly lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half, though it won’t be quite as thick.
Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
How to Make Shrimp and Crab Florentine
1. Cook the Shrimp
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add garlic and onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
3. Wilt the Spinach
Add chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
4. Prepare the Cream Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Incorporate the Seafood
Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently fold in the lump crab meat. Simmer 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and coated in sauce.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. They cook quickly and can become rubbery.
- Fold the crab gently. You want to keep those beautiful lumps intact.
- Simmer, don’t boil. A gentle simmer keeps the cream sauce smooth.
- Add lemon just before serving. It brightens the entire dish.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it:
- Over fettuccine or linguine
- On top of buttery mashed potatoes
- With toasted baguette slices
- Over steamed jasmine rice
For an impressive dinner spread, start with This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests and finish with This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack.
If you’re serving drinks, a refreshing Classic Margarita Recipe – Easy and Delicious pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream sauce.
Love bold seafood flavors? You might also enjoy This Cajun Chicken & Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
And for another comforting Italian-style dinner, check out This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
Values will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating.
- Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to refresh the sauce.
- Not recommended for freezing, as cream-based sauces can become grainy.
Leftovers are incredible spooned over pasta the next day—or even tucked into a toasted sandwich for a decadent lunch.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If this creamy seafood dish hit the spot, here are more crowd-pleasers worth trying:
- This Cajun Chicken & Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests
- Classic Margarita Recipe – Easy and Delicious
- This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack
Final Thoughts
Luscious Shrimp and Crab Florentine is one of those dishes that feels like a splurge but fits easily into a weeknight schedule. It’s creamy, garlicky, slightly indulgent, and beautifully balanced with fresh spinach and lemon.
Give it a try and let me know how you serve yours—over pasta, rice, or straight from the skillet with crusty bread. I love hearing your twists and variations!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to follow along for more comforting, flavor-packed dishes designed to make home cooking exciting again. Happy cooking! 🍤✨
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