If you’re craving a delicious and indulgent pasta dish, Shrimp Alfredo is the perfect choice. This creamy, rich, and flavorful meal combines the delicate taste of shrimp with a luscious Alfredo sauce, all served over a bed of fettuccine. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making a quick weeknight meal, Shrimp Alfredo is sure to impress.
Why Shrimp Alfredo?
Shrimp Alfredo is a wonderful combination of seafood and pasta. The plump, juicy shrimp pair beautifully with the creamy Alfredo sauce, which is made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is filling and satisfying while still feeling elegant and light, thanks to the shrimp.
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
12 oz. fettuccine pasta (or your preferred pasta)
1 lb. medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (preferably fresh)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping a bit of pasta water to thin the sauce later if needed.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the shrimp to the pan, seasoning them with a little salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a small amount of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine the Pasta and Shrimp:
Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the noodles evenly.
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, ensuring everything is well combined.
5. Serve:
Transfer the Shrimp Alfredo to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley. For a zesty twist, serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Alfredo:
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp, garlic, and Parmesan cheese will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the dish.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking can make them rubbery. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.
Customize the recipe: You can add other seafood like scallops or lobster, or even throw in vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added texture and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Alfredo is a comforting, elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and perfect pasta, it’s a meal that will satisfy and impress every time. Whether for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!
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