If there’s one dish that captures the heart of Italian-American cuisine rich, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful it’s Carrabba’s Shrimp and Scallop Linguine alla Vodka. This luxurious pasta entrée marries the sweetness of shrimp, the tenderness of scallops, and the richness of a silky vodka tomato cream sauce that wraps every strand of linguine in indulgent perfection.
Served fresh and piping hot at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, it’s a dish that transforms comfort food into fine dining bold yet balanced, creamy yet bright, traditional yet innovative.
What Is Shrimp and Scallop Linguine alla Vodka?
Carrabba’s Shrimp and Scallop Linguine alla Vodka is a seafood pasta masterpiece. The dish features linguine pasta tossed in a rich tomato-vodka cream sauce, combined with sautéed shrimp and sea scallops. The sauce is enhanced with garlic, crushed red pepper, and Parmesan cheese a combination that adds depth, spice, and creaminess all at once.
| Dish Name | Price | Calories |
| Shrimp and Scallop Linguine alla Vodka | $25.49 | 1230 cal |
This entrée perfectly balances seafood delicacy with the robust, creamy intensity of vodka sauce a true indulgence for anyone craving the best of both worlds.
The Story Behind Scallop Linguine alla Vodka Sauce
Vodka sauce is one of Italy’s most famous culinary exports though it actually became popular in American-Italian restaurants in the late 20th century. The key to its magic is the vodka itself, which helps emulsify tomato and cream into one velvety sauce while enhancing the flavors of garlic, onion, and Parmesan.
Carrabba’s takes that beloved base and elevates it with premium seafood creating a sauce that feels luxurious without being heavy, and sophisticated without being fussy.
It’s an Italian-American classic reimagined with coastal flair.
The Ingredients That Make It Irresistible
Each ingredient in Carrabba’s Shrimp and Scallop Linguine alla Vodka serves a purpose bringing richness, texture, or brightness to the plate.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
| Linguine pasta | The perfect flat noodle to hold creamy sauce. |
| Shrimp | Adds sweet, juicy flavor and protein. |
| Sea scallops | Provide tenderness and natural oceanic richness. |
| Tomato vodka sauce | The creamy, tangy base that defines the dish. |
| Garlic and onion | Build depth and aroma. |
| Heavy cream | Smooths the acidity and gives a silky mouthfeel. |
| Vodka | Enhances flavor and helps blend cream and tomato. |
| Crushed red pepper | Adds a subtle kick. |
| Parmesan cheese | Adds nutty, salty complexity. |
| Fresh basil and parsley | Brighten the dish with freshness. |
Each bite delivers the best of land and sea creamy sauce, tender pasta, and perfectly cooked shellfish.
Carrabba’s-Inspired Shrimp & Scallop Linguine alla Vodka Recipe
Recreate this Carrabba’s classic in your kitchen with this inspired copycat recipe.
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the seafood & pasta:
- 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
- 10 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh basil and parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Sauté Seafood:
In a large skillet, melt butter and sear shrimp and scallops for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
In the same pan, add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Add crushed red pepper, then deglaze with vodka. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes to cook off the alcohol. - Add Tomatoes & Cream:
Stir in tomato puree and heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 5–6 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. - Combine Everything:
Toss linguine into the sauce, coating each strand. Add shrimp and scallops back to the pan and mix until everything is hot and creamy. - Finish & Serve:
Sprinkle with Parmesan, garnish with basil and parsley, and serve immediately.
The Flavor Symphony
The first bite of Shrimp and Scallop Linguine alla Vodka is an explosion of contrasts:
- The sweet brininess of seafood
- The silky texture of linguine
- The creamy tang of vodka sauce
- The kick from red pepper and garlic
- The fresh lift from herbs and lemon zest
It’s rich yet balanced never overwhelming, always satisfying.
Why Diners Love It
Carrabba’s guests often describe the Shrimp and Scallop Linguine alla Vodka as “comfort food dressed in elegance.” Here’s why it’s adored:
- Decadent yet balanced: Creamy but not heavy, spicy but not overpowering.
- Fresh seafood flavor: Shrimp and scallops are seared to perfection.
- Restaurant-quality presentation: It looks as beautiful as it tastes.
- Rich tomato-cream fusion: Vodka binds acidity and creaminess into harmony.
It’s the kind of entrée that makes every dinner feel like a celebration.
The Secret: Perfectly Cooked Seafood
Cooking shrimp and scallops right is the key to this dish’s success. Overcooked seafood can ruin even the best sauce.
- Shrimp should be pink and curled into a “C” shape, not tight.
- Scallops should form a golden crust while staying tender inside.
Carrabba’s chefs sear them quickly over high heat to lock in sweetness a small step that makes a huge difference in texture and flavor.
The Scallop Linguine alla Vodka Sauce Magic
Many wonder why vodka? The answer lies in chemistry. Vodka enhances the tomato’s natural sweetness while helping cream blend smoothly with the sauce.
The result is a bright, slightly tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with seafood and pasta. The alcohol cooks off completely, leaving behind richness and depth not bitterness.
It’s that subtle element that turns an ordinary tomato-cream sauce into a restaurant-level delicacy.
Perfect Pairings from Carrabba’s Menu
Enhance your Shrimp and Scallop Linguine alla Vodka experience with the right sides and drinks.
| Pairing Type | Menu Item | Why It Works |
| Appetizer | Four-Cheese & Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms | Rich starter that complements the creamy pasta. |
| Salad | Caesar Salad | Adds crisp freshness and tangy flavor contrast. |
| Entrée Pairing | Chicken Bryan | The lemon-butter sauce echoes the brightness of the vodka cream. |
| Dessert | John Cole | A cool, nutty finish after a rich meal. |
| Drink | Sicilian Prickly Pear Margarita | The citrus and sweetness balance the creamy sauce. |
How It Compares to Other Carrabba’s Pastas
| Dish | Base | Flavor Profile | Calories |
| Shrimp & Scallop Linguine alla Vodka | Tomato-Vodka Cream | Creamy, tangy, seafood-rich | 1230 |
| Rigatoni Martino | Tomato-Cream | Earthy, mushroomy, rich | 1690 |
| Fettuccine Carrabba | Alfredo | Creamy and buttery | 1250 |
| Linguine Pescatore | Tomato-Seafood | Light and spicy | 1040 |
This dish stands out because of its velvety sauce and gourmet seafood twist making it a true standout in Carrabba’s pasta lineup.
Cooking Tips for Home Chefs
- Use quality vodka: A smooth, neutral vodka (not flavored) ensures a clean sauce.
- Deglaze properly: Let the vodka simmer to remove sharpness.
- Don’t overcook cream: Simmer gently for a smooth texture.
- Season the seafood last: Salt draws moisture season right before cooking.
- Add Parmesan at the end: Keeps sauce from becoming grainy.
These professional techniques guarantee a creamy, restaurant-style finish.
Ideal for Every Occasion
The Shrimp and Scallop Linguine alla Vodka is perfect for:
- Date nights: Elegant yet comforting.
- Family dinners: A crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers.
- Celebrations: Its presentation feels luxurious and festive.
- Home indulgence: When you crave restaurant quality at home.
It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary meal into a special occasion.
The Art of Flavor Balance
Carrabba’s culinary philosophy centers on balance rich sauces paired with light proteins, acidity matched by cream, and herbs adding brightness.
This pasta exemplifies that approach. Each element supports the next:
- Cream balances spice
- Vodka lifts tomato flavor
- Seafood adds sweetness
- Parmesan deepens umami
That’s what makes it taste complex yet comforting a hallmark of Carrabba’s craftsmanship.
Customer Reviews
“This pasta is heaven the scallops melt in your mouth!”
“Carrabba’s nailed the vodka sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, and perfectly spiced.”
“I could eat this every week. Best seafood pasta I’ve ever had!”
Fans love the contrast of light seafood with rich sauce a rare combination that feels indulgent but not overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
Carrabba’s Shrimp and Scallop Linguine alla Vodka is the definition of Italian-American comfort food done right a dish that blends passion, flavor, and artistry in every forkful.
From the sweetness of shrimp and scallops to the creamy tang of vodka sauce, each bite feels both luxurious and familiar. It’s a restaurant favorite for good reason hearty enough to satisfy, yet elegant enough for a romantic dinner.
Whether you’re visiting Carrabba’s for a special night out or cooking at home, this dish is proof that simple ingredients, when prepared with love and balance, can create unforgettable experiences.
So next time you’re craving something indulgent, skip the ordinary and order the Shrimp and Scallop Linguine alla Vodka the perfect marriage of sea, sauce, and soul.
