Seafood Boil Pasta Recipe

This recipe combines the flavors of a classic seafood boil with pasta, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced

• 1 pound crab legs or claw meat

• 1 cup corn kernels

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 yellow onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 cups seafood broth (or chicken broth)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté sausage and vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sausage, onion, and bell pepper and cook until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the seafood broth, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Cook seafood: Add the shrimp and crab legs to the pot. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the crab is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Combine: Stir in the corn kernels and heavy cream. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

6. Toss with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pot and toss to combine with the sauce and seafood.

7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations:

• Seafood: Feel free to add other seafood such as crawfish, clams, or mussels.

• Spice level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to your liking.

• Vegetables: Add other vegetables like potatoes, celery, or okra.

• Broth: If you don't have seafood broth, chicken broth works well.

• Creamy sauce: For a richer sauce, add more heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese.

• Make it ahead: You can prepare the sauce and cook the sausage and vegetables ahead of time. Then, add the seafood and pasta just before serving.