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If you’re a fan of creamy and indulgent pasta dishes, shrimp alfredo pasta is a classic that you must try. This dish combines succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich and creamy alfredo sauce that will leave you wanting more. It’s a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends, but don’t worry, it’s actually quite simple to make.
To start, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. You’ll need shrimp, pasta, butter, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. The key to this dish is using fresh and high-quality ingredients, so make sure to choose the best shrimp and cheese you can find.
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing the sauce. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Then, add the shrimp to the pan and cook until they turn pink and become opaque.
Pro tip: You can add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the pan with the shrimp for an extra burst of flavor.
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside. In the same pan, add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the sauce constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the pan with the sauce. Mix everything together until the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated in the creamy alfredo sauce. Serve immediately and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
This shrimp alfredo pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners. It’s a dish that is easy to make but tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. So why not give it a try and treat yourself to a delicious and indulgent meal?
Tasty and Easy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a creamy and delicious pasta dish, look no further than this shrimp alfredo recipe. With tender shrimp and a rich sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy it any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss with the pasta. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp are reheated.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve the shrimp alfredo pasta hot and enjoy!
This shrimp alfredo pasta recipe is a crowd pleaser and makes for a delicious weeknight meal. The creamy sauce and flavorful shrimp will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. Give it a try and impress everyone with your culinary skills!
Ingredients for Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Before you can start cooking shrimp alfredo pasta, here are the essential ingredients you will need:
1. Shrimp
The star of the dish, you will need fresh or frozen shrimp. It is recommended to use medium to large-sized shrimp for this recipe.
2. Pasta
Choose your favorite pasta shape for the dish. Fettuccine is traditionally used for alfredo pasta, but you can also use linguine or even penne if you prefer.
3. Alfredo Sauce
You can either make your own alfredo sauce from scratch using butter, cream, and cheese, or you can use store-bought alfredo sauce to save time. Whichever you choose, make sure to have enough to coat the pasta and shrimp thoroughly.
4. Garlic
Garlic adds a delicious flavor to the dish. Fresh garlic cloves are preferred, but you can also use minced garlic if that’s what you have on hand.
5. Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor. You can also use pre-shredded parmesan cheese if needed.
6. Olive Oil
Olive oil is used for cooking the shrimp and sautéing the garlic. It adds a subtle richness to the dish.
7. Salt and Pepper
Seasoning with salt and pepper is crucial to enhance the flavors of the dish. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
These are the main ingredients you will need to prepare a delicious shrimp alfredo pasta. Make sure to have them ready before you start cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked fettuccine and cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the pasta and shrimp with the Alfredo sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the shrimp Alfredo pasta with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the shrimp Alfredo pasta immediately and enjoy!
Note: You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms to the Alfredo sauce. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
Tips for Preparing the Shrimp
When preparing shrimp for your shrimp alfredo pasta, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure the best flavor and texture. Follow these steps to make delicious shrimp:
1. Choose Fresh Shrimp
Always start with fresh shrimp for the best results. Look for shrimp that is firm and has a slightly sweet smell. Avoid shrimp that smells fishy or has a slimy texture.
2. Shell and Devein the Shrimp
Remove the shells and devein the shrimp before cooking. To do this, simply peel off the shell and use a small knife or a shrimp deveining tool to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp. Gently remove the dark vein, rinsing the shrimp under cold water to ensure it is clean.
3. Season the Shrimp
Before adding the shrimp to the pasta, season it with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. This will help enhance the flavor of the shrimp and add a delicious taste to the overall dish.
4. Cook the Shrimp Quickly
Shrimp cooks very quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Once the oil or butter is hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear.
Prego Alfredo Pasta Sauce with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Cheese, 14.5 oz Jar
Amazon.com
5. Remove from Heat
Once the shrimp is cooked, remove it from the heat immediately. Overcooking can cause the shrimp to become tough and rubbery.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to prepare perfectly cooked shrimp for your shrimp alfredo pasta. The tender, flavorful shrimp will be the perfect addition to this delicious dish.
Enhancing the Flavor with Seasonings
When it comes to cooking shrimp alfredo pasta, adding the right seasonings can take the dish to a whole new level. The blend of flavors from various spices and herbs adds depth and complexity to the dish. Here are some seasonings that can enhance the flavor of your shrimp alfredo pasta:
- Garlic powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. It complements the creamy alfredo sauce and brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Italian seasoning: This classic blend of dried herbs, such as oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, adds a Mediterranean touch to the dish. It adds a burst of freshness and earthiness to the shrimp alfredo pasta.
- Cayenne pepper: If you like a hint of heat in your dish, cayenne pepper is a great choice. Just a pinch of this spicy seasoning can add a subtle kick to the creamy pasta sauce.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is a must-have seasoning for shrimp alfredo pasta. It adds a mild heat and a hint of earthiness that pairs perfectly with the shrimp and the velvety sauce.
- Lemon zest: Zesting a fresh lemon over the finished dish brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of citrusy tang. The vibrant lemon aroma complements the richness of the alfredo sauce and brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Remember to season the shrimp with salt and pepper before cooking them. It helps to bring out their natural flavors and ensure they are seasoned evenly. Additionally, taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
By adding these various seasonings, you can take your shrimp alfredo pasta to the next level and impress your guests with a flavorful and satisfying dish.
McCormick Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce Mix, 1.25 oz
Amazon.com
FAQ
Can I use any other type of pasta besides fettuccine?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like for shrimp alfredo. Fettuccine is the traditional choice, but you can also use linguine, spaghetti, or any other pasta shape that you prefer.
How long does it take to cook shrimp alfredo pasta?
Shrimp alfredo pasta usually takes around 20-30 minutes to cook. This includes the time to cook the pasta, prepare the sauce, and cook the shrimp. It is a relatively quick and easy dish to make.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for shrimp alfredo pasta. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before using it in the recipe. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water if you are in a hurry.