Microwave Seafood Primavera(Easy And Elegant!)
A quick, elegant seafood pasta dish combining tender shrimp, crab, and broccoli in a creamy, flavorful sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. fettucini ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 2 tsp. instant chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil leaves
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 13 oz. can evaporated skimmed milk ⓘ
- 6 oz. can crab meat ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. cooked shrimp ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 4 c. chopped fresh broccoli ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. water
Instructions
- Cook fettucini as directed on the package. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
- Combine margarine, garlic, and onion in a 4-cup glass measure. Microwave on High for 2 to 3 minutes or until just about tender.
- Stir in flour, bouillon, basil, nutmeg, and pepper.
- Blend in evaporated skimmed milk. Microwave on High for 5 to 6 minutes or until the mixture boils and thickens slightly, stirring once.
- Stir in crab meat, cooked shrimp, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add chopped broccoli and sliced mushrooms to the sauce mixture and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Serve the seafood sauce over the cooked fettucini.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more evaporated skimmed milk or a splash of heavy cream. You can substitute the crab meat with canned tuna or cooked chicken for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs like parsley can enhance the dish. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables work well to speed up the prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the seafood primavera with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. A light white wine pairs beautifully with this meal, enhancing the seafood flavors. For more inspiration, check out American recipes that feature pasta as a base.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to prevent the sauce from thickening too much. Microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Seafood Primavera(Easy And Elegant!) contains roughly 1375 calories, with 55g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (111% of the Daily Value), iron (58% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2221mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp or crab meat; just ensure they are thawed before adding them to the dish. This will help maintain even cooking and prevent excess water from being released into the sauce.
What can I do if I don’t have evaporated skimmed milk?
If evaporated skimmed milk is unavailable, you can substitute with regular milk or a mixture of milk and a bit of cornstarch to achieve a similar thickness. Heavy cream can also be used for a richer sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can omit the seafood and replace it with extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Additionally, consider adding some chickpeas or tofu for protein to create a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).