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To make a delicious Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Each of these ingredients plays a key role in creating the rich and creamy flavor of this dish. The fettuccine serves as a perfect base, while the shrimp adds protein and a delightful texture. Garlic provides a warm and nice aroma, and heavy cream gives that smooth, velvety feel. Parmesan cheese is essential for making the sauce rich and cheesy. Italian seasoning brings a hint of herbs, enhancing the overall taste. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they help to balance the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley adds a touch of color and freshness when you serve your dish. Gather all these ingredients before you start cooking. This will make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. This step is key to cooking the fettuccine right. Once the water is boiling, add the fettuccine. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the pasta water. This water helps with the sauce later. After that, drain the fettuccine in a colander and set it aside. Next, prepare a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Season them well with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. When cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and cover them with foil to keep warm. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Then, add the finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir constantly to avoid burning it. The garlic should become fragrant, adding a lovely aroma to your dish. Now, gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring. It’s important to stir continuously as the cream warms. Bring it to a gentle simmer, which will help the flavors meld. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning blend and add a pinch of salt and pepper. This step enhances the sauce's flavor, making it rich and savory. Slowly add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water. This small amount helps to achieve your desired creamy consistency. Now it’s time to add the drained fettuccine and cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated with the creamy garlic sauce. This step ensures every bite is full of flavor. Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the Alfredo dish to serving plates or bowls. For a nice touch, finely chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it on top. This adds both color and a fresh taste. Serve immediately for a delightful meal! - Choosing the right size and freshness: Use large shrimp for this dish. Fresh shrimp make a big difference in taste. Look for shrimp that smell clean, not fishy. - Avoiding overcooking: Cook shrimp for just 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes shrimp rubbery. - How to adjust if sauce is too thick or thin: If your sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water slowly. One tablespoon at a time works well. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken. - Importance of pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the fettuccine. Always save some before draining the pasta. - Recommended spices: Italian seasoning adds depth. Consider a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also boost flavor. - Optional additions for extra flavor: Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach. These add texture and taste. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish as well. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Fresh Shrimp: Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild ocean scent. Cheese Choice: Grate your own Parmesan cheese for a creamier sauce. Pre-packaged cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Herb Garnish: For an extra burst of flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or dill along with parsley when garnishing your dish. {{image_4}} To lighten up this dish, you can make a few swaps. Use whole wheat pasta instead of regular fettuccine. It adds fiber and nutrients. For the cream, try using half-and-half or almond milk. This cuts down on fat while still giving a creamy texture. You can even add more veggies like spinach or broccoli for extra health benefits. You can change up the protein in this dish easily. Chicken is a great option. Just cook it in the same way as the shrimp. You can also use different seafood like scallops or even crab. If you prefer a vegetarian meal, try using mushrooms or tofu. Both can absorb the flavors well and make the dish filling. Adding vegetables or herbs can give your Alfredo a fresh twist. Spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes work great. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also brighten the flavor. For cheese, you can switch from Parmesan to Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Mixing cheeses can add depth to your sauce and make it even more delicious. To keep your creamy garlic shrimp Alfredo fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. Place it in the fridge right away. It will stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When it’s time to eat your leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet on low heat for best results. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to keep it creamy. Stir often to prevent sticking. You want it warm, not hot. Yes, you can freeze this dish! To do this, let it cool completely first. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Seal it well to avoid freezer burn. It’s best to eat it within two months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. For the best taste, thaw them first. To thaw shrimp, place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Change the water halfway through. After thawing, remove the shells and devein them if needed. Cook them as usual for the recipe. Frozen shrimp should cook just like fresh ones. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half. Another choice is whole milk mixed with a bit of butter. For a non-dairy option, try coconut cream or almond milk with a thickener. Each substitute may change the flavor and texture slightly, but they still work well. To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and cheese. You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Check labels to ensure all ingredients are dairy-free. Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should curl slightly. If you see they are gray or translucent, they need more time. Overcooked shrimp become tough, so watch carefully. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Penne or linguine are good choices. You may need to adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose. Just follow the package instructions for best results. To wrap up, we explored a fun way to make fettuccine with shrimp. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for the best results. We also discussed variations to keep things interesting and storage info for leftovers. Cooking can be easy and enjoyable. Now, it’s time to bring your dish to the table. Enjoy your delicious meal and share your creation with friends!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Delight

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp and a flavorful garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for later use, then drain the fettuccine in a colander and set aside.
  • Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once melted, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a plate, covering them with foil to keep warm.
  • Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant, but be cautious not to let it burn.
  • Make the Cream Sauce: Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously as it begins to warm. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer while you occasionally stir. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning blend and season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavor.
  • Incorporate the Parmesan: Slowly add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens. If you find the sauce too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
  • Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the drained fettuccine and the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated in the luxurious garlic sauce.
  • Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the Alfredo dish to serving plates or bowls. Finely chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it generously on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately for a delightful meal!

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Keyword alfredo, creamy, garlic, pasta, shrimp