20 Shrimp and Scallop Dishes for Special Occasions
These elegant seafood combinations bring restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. From creamy pastas to spicy stews, each dish showcases the natural sweetness of shrimp and scallops.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or entertaining guests, these recipes offer something special for every occasion.
01. Shellfish Pasta with Spicy Red Sauce
This version uses shrimp, clams, and scallops in a bold tomato-based sauce with garlic and red pepper flakes.
The spicy red sauce balances perfectly with the mild, sweet flavor of the mixed shellfish. Fresh herbs brighten each bite.
Perfect for date nights when served with crusty garlic bread and white wine. Takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
02. Savory Seafood Crepes
Delicate crepes get filled with tender shrimp and scallops in a creamy white sauce with fresh herbs and lemon.
This method creates an elegant brunch or dinner dish that looks impressive but uses simple techniques. The crepes can be made ahead.
Great for special occasions when you want something different from typical seafood preparations. Takes more time but worth the effort.
03. Quick Seafood and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Fresh scallops and shrimp cook quickly with asparagus, mushrooms, and onions in a light lemon-garlic sauce over high heat.
The key is cooking everything fast to keep the seafood tender and vegetables crisp. Simple seasonings let natural flavors shine.
This approach works great for busy weeknights since everything comes together in just 25 minutes. Perfect over rice or noodles.
04. Baked Seafood Cheese Casserole
This version combines shrimp, scallops, and crab meat in a rich cheese sauce that bakes until golden and bubbly on top.
Individual ramekins create an elegant presentation, or use one large dish for family-style serving. The cheese sauce stays creamy throughout.
Takes about 45 minutes total but most of that is hands-off baking time. Great for entertaining since it can be prepped ahead.
05. Traditional Spanish Seafood Paella
Authentic Spanish rice dish features shrimp, scallops, and mussels with saffron, tomatoes, and traditional seasonings in a large paella pan.
The rice absorbs all the seafood flavors while developing a slightly crispy bottom layer called socarrat. Saffron gives the signature golden color.
This method takes patience and practice but creates an impressive centerpiece dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd at special gatherings.
06. Italian Christmas Eve Seafood Stew
This traditional Italian stew combines multiple types of seafood including shrimp and scallops in a rich tomato broth with wine and herbs.
The long, slow simmering develops deep flavors while keeping all the seafood tender. Each spoonful has different textures and tastes.
Perfect for holiday entertaining or cold winter nights. Serve with crusty bread and a simple salad for a complete meal.
07. One-Pot Creamy Seafood Hotpot
Frozen shrimp and scallops go directly into the pot with vegetables and cream for an incredibly easy weeknight dinner solution.
This method requires no thawing or prep work. Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup simple and fast.
Great for hectic weeks when you want something satisfying but don’t have time for complicated cooking. Ready in under 30 minutes.
08. Spicy Seafood Creole
Shrimp, scallops, and white fish simmer in a spicy tomato sauce with onions, peppers, and Creole seasonings over rice.
Similar to étouffée, this version has a thicker sauce that coats the seafood. The spice level can be adjusted to taste.
This approach brings authentic Louisiana flavors to your kitchen. Takes about 40 minutes and serves well over fluffy white rice.
09. Fast Seafood Linguine with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Quick-cooking pasta dish combines shrimp and scallops with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and white wine in a light olive oil sauce.
The key is having everything prepped before you start since this cooks very quickly. Fresh basil adds brightness at the end.
Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something elegant but fast. Takes less than 20 minutes once you start cooking.
10. Pressure Cooker Seafood Gumbo
This version uses the Instant Pot to develop complex gumbo flavors quickly with shrimp, scallops, cod, and a dark roux base.
The pressure cooking melds all the flavors beautifully while keeping the seafood tender. Louisiana beer adds extra depth to the broth.
Great for gumbo lovers who want authentic taste without hours of stirring. Takes about an hour total including prep time.
11. Slow Cooker Seafood Chowder
Hearty chowder loaded with bacon, potatoes, corn, scallops, shrimp, and halibut cooks itself in the slow cooker all day.
This method creates a thick, creamy chowder perfect for cold days. The slow cooking develops rich flavors without any stirring required.
Perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a hot, satisfying meal. Takes 6-8 hours on low heat.
12. Fresh Citrus Seafood Ceviche
Raw shrimp and scallops “cook” in citrus juices with onions, peppers, and cilantro for a bright, refreshing appetizer or light meal.
The acid from lime and lemon juice firms up the seafood while adding incredible flavor. No heat required for this cooking method.
Great for hot summer days or as a light starter. Takes a few hours for the seafood to cure properly.
13. Grilled Seafood Foil Packets
Individual foil packets contain shrimp, scallops, clams, corn, and cherry tomatoes that steam together on the grill with seasonings and butter.
This method keeps everything moist and flavorful while making cleanup easy. Each packet becomes its own complete meal when opened.
Perfect for summer grilling season or camping trips. Takes about 15 minutes on medium-high heat and requires minimal prep work.
14. Classic Italian Seafood Cioppino
Traditional San Francisco stew features five types of seafood including shrimp and scallops in a rich, spicy tomato broth with wine.
This version creates restaurant-quality results at home with layers of flavor from the long-simmered tomato base and fresh seafood additions.
Takes more time but creates an impressive dinner party centerpiece. Serve with sourdough bread for dipping in the flavorful broth.
15. Pressure Cooker Seafood Chowder
Instant Pot version combines bacon, vegetables, potatoes, and mixed seafood in a creamy base that develops rich flavors quickly.
The pressure cooking infuses everything with flavor while keeping the seafood perfectly tender. Much faster than stovetop methods but same great taste.
Great for weeknight comfort food that usually takes hours. Ready in about 30 minutes including prep and pressure release time.
16. Game Day Seafood Snack Platter
Impressive party spread features puff pastry shells filled with cheesy scallop mixture, shrimp with dipping sauces, and creative seafood shooters.
This approach creates multiple appetizers that look fancy but use simple techniques. Everything can be partially prepped ahead of time.
Perfect for entertaining during sports events or parties. Takes some time but creates a memorable spread that impresses guests.
17. Creamy Italian Seafood Risotto
Traditional risotto technique creates creamy rice that gets topped with perfectly cooked shrimp and scallops plus fresh herbs and lemon.
This method requires patience and constant stirring but creates restaurant-quality results. High-quality fish stock makes a big difference in flavor.
Takes about 45 minutes of active cooking but creates an elegant main course. Perfect for special occasions when you want something impressive.
18. Coconut Curry Seafood
Thai-inspired curry combines shrimp and scallops with coconut milk, curry paste, ginger, and vegetables for exotic flavors at home.
The coconut milk creates a rich, creamy sauce that balances the heat from the curry paste. Fresh lime brightens everything up.
Great for trying something different from typical seafood preparations. Takes about 25 minutes and serves perfectly over jasmine rice.
19. Lighter Seafood Alfredo
This version creates creamy fettuccine with shrimp and scallops using a lighter sauce that has fewer calories than traditional Alfredo.
The sauce can be thickened with cornstarch if you prefer a richer consistency. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness to each bite.
Perfect for those wanting indulgent flavors without all the heaviness. Takes about 20 minutes and satisfies Alfredo cravings with less guilt.
20. Spicy Cajun Seafood Pasta
Bay scallops and shrimp get tossed with pasta in a spicy Cajun cream sauce with peppers, onions, and bold seasonings.
This version uses smaller, sweeter bay scallops that cook quickly and stay tender. The spice level can be adjusted to your preference.
Takes less than 30 minutes but delivers big, bold flavors. Perfect for spice lovers who want restaurant-quality pasta at home.
Final Thoughts
These shrimp and scallop combinations offer endless possibilities for creating memorable meals. From quick weeknight dinners to elegant entertaining, there’s a perfect recipe for every occasion and skill level.
Start with simpler preparations and work your way up to more complex dishes as your confidence grows with these premium seafood ingredients.