If you love the idea of rich, velvety cheese mingling with ocean-fresh crab and plump morsels of shrimp, all nestled in a bed of wilted spinach, you’re in for a treat with Shrimp and Spinach with Rich and Creamy Crab Cheese. This swoon-worthy skillet brings together layers of flavor and decadent texture in every bite, making it a showstopping centerpiece for everything from weeknight dinners to cozy date nights at home. Simple to prepare and dazzling on the table, it’s a dish you’ll fall for bite after creamy, cheesy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Shrimp and Spinach with Rich and Creamy Crab Cheese has a vital role, whether adding creaminess, that signature briny seafood touch, or vibrant color. Sourcing the freshest components will only amplify the restaurant-worthy results you’ll achieve in your own kitchen!
- Olive oil: Provides a silky base for sautéing and adds subtle fruity notes.
- Butter: Gives a rich, luscious undertone to the skillet and helps brown the shrimp beautifully.
- Large shrimp (½ pound, peeled and deveined): Look for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp to ensure sweet, tender bites every time.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Adds vibrant green color and a nutritional boost as it wilts into the creamy sauce.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): A quick sauté unlocks their aromatic depth, tying the seafood and cheese together.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Gives the sauce that signature rich and creamy base—full fat produces the silkiest results.
- Heavy cream (¼ cup): Works with the cream cheese for an ultra-smooth, spoon-coating texture.
- Lump crab meat (½ cup): Fresh or high-quality canned adds real crab flavor and sweet, tender pieces to the mix.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated): Infuses nutty, salty oomph and helps thicken the sauce.
- Old Bay seasoning (½ teaspoon): Delivers classic coastal zest and the unmistakable flavor profile of great seafood.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out all the flavors—taste as you go!
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): The finishing touch for a burst of herbaceous color and freshness.
How to Make Shrimp and Spinach with Rich and Creamy Crab Cheese
Step 1: Sear the Shrimp to Perfection
Start off by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat; this combination lends a lovely base flavor and prevents sticking. Once shimmering, add your shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side—just until they’re pink and opaque. Remove them with tongs and set aside to avoid overcooking. This step seals in their juicy sweetness and ensures they’ll stay succulent later in the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Wilt the Spinach
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds. This wakes up all those aromatic oils. Toss in your fresh spinach and use tongs to turn it gently until just wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. The spinach collapses into the sauce, bringing earthiness and a pop of bright green.
Step 3: Craft the Creamy Crab Cheese Sauce
Reduce the heat to low so nothing scorches, and stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir continuously—you’ll see the mixture turn irresistibly smooth and glossy. Add the lump crab meat, Parmesan cheese, a generous sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything heat gently through for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring delicately to avoid breaking up those gorgeous crab lumps.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the seared shrimp to your bubbling sauce and fold gently to coat each piece in that rich crab and cheese goodness. Let it all warm together for just a couple minutes, soaking up the flavors. Taste once more—add a little salt, pepper, or an extra whisper of Old Bay if you crave more pop. Serve the Shrimp and Spinach with Rich and Creamy Crab Cheese hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like.
How to Serve Shrimp and Spinach with Rich and Creamy Crab Cheese
Garnishes
A sprinkle of bright green chopped parsley adds both color and freshness to the Shrimp and Spinach with Rich and Creamy Crab Cheese, making each plate look restaurant-ready. If you’re feeling posh, try a twist of lemon zest or a few flakes of red chili for sparkle and heat.
Side Dishes
This decadently creamy seafood skillet shines alongside simple sides: think warm, crusty bread for sopping up sauce, fluffy rice, or even a tangle of al dente pasta. For a lighter touch, serve with a crisp green salad or quick-roasted asparagus.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it a centerpiece by spooning the Shrimp and Spinach with Rich and Creamy Crab Cheese into a shallow serving dish, topped with extra crab for wow factor. For dinner parties, serve it in small ramekins as a luxe starter, or ladle it over toasted baguette rounds for the ultimate seafood bruschetta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp and Spinach with Rich and Creamy Crab Cheese keeps surprisingly well! Transfer any extras to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to two days. The flavors meld overnight, making leftovers extra delicious, but seafood is always best enjoyed soon after cooking.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce and shrimp are best right after cooking, you can freeze this dish if needed. Portion into airtight containers and use within a month—just be aware that the sauce may separate a little after thawing. Give it a thorough stir when reheating to bring it back together.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat the Shrimp and Spinach with Rich and Creamy Crab Cheese on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you find the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of cream or milk to restore its silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and pat dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp are super convenient and taste great, especially when paired with creamy, flavorful sauces like this one.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone or even a bit of ricotta can work. The sauce may be a little lighter in texture, but the Shrimp and Spinach with Rich and Creamy Crab Cheese will still be deliciously creamy.
Is there a gluten-free way to serve this?
Yes—Shrimp and Spinach with Rich and Creamy Crab Cheese is naturally gluten-free, just serve it alongside gluten-free pasta, rice, or a crisp salad for a safe and satisfying meal.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a large enough skillet. This dish is a guaranteed hit at dinner parties or festive gatherings.
What’s the best way to add extra spice?
If you want to turn up the heat, try a pinch of cayenne pepper in the sauce or serve with red pepper flakes. The creamy crab cheese base balances out a little extra fire beautifully!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend taking the plunge with Shrimp and Spinach with Rich and Creamy Crab Cheese enough—it’s one of those dishes that wows everyone from the very first forkful. Give it a whirl, share it with people you love, and watch every plate get wiped clean. Here’s to bringing a dash of creamy, crabby decadence—and a whole lot of joy—to your table tonight!
Print
Shrimp and Spinach with Rich and Creamy Crab Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent flavors of shrimp and spinach smothered in a rich and creamy crab cheese sauce. This luxurious seafood skillet dish is perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
For the Creamy Crab Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, cook shrimp until pink, then set aside.
- Make the Creamy Crab Cheese Sauce: Sauté garlic, add spinach, cream cheese, heavy cream, crab meat, Parmesan, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Cook until creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Return shrimp to the skillet, stir to coat in the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Use fresh lump crab meat for best texture, or high-quality canned crab as a substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
