The Best Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

INTRODUCTION

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a delicious pasta dish that brings together creamy, rich flavors and tender shrimp. It is a perfect meal for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special celebration. This dish has all the elements that make it comforting and satisfying. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo at home is easier than you might think!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo recipe because it is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. The combination of juicy shrimp and creamy sauce over perfectly cooked fettuccine creates a delightful meal. The rich butter and cheese are balanced by a hint of garlic, bringing the dish to life. Plus, it is easy to customize, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients or adjust the flavors to your liking. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe will impress you and your guests.

HOW TO MAKE Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Making Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is really simple. What you need is not just the ingredients but also a few basic tools from your kitchen. The process includes boiling the pasta, cooking the shrimp, and combining it all together to create a creamy sauce. You will enjoy every step, from boiling the pasta to serving a warm, delicious meal.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, you will need the following kitchen equipment:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Medium bowl for mixing
• Large skillet for cooking shrimp and making the sauce
• Whisk for blending ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander for draining pasta
• Serving plates

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 12 ounces dried fettuccine
• 3/4 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and patted dry
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large garlic clove, minced or grated
• Salt and freshly-ground pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups (5 ounces) finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
2. Whisk together the heavy cream, egg yolk, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. Add the fettuccine to boiling water and cook until just al dente according to package directions.
4. Drain pasta but reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
5. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook until pink on the bottom, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Flip shrimp and add minced garlic. Cook until shrimp are just cooked through, another 1-2 minutes.
8. Remove shrimp to a plate, leaving the garlicky butter in the skillet.
9. Lower the heat and whisk the cream mixture into the skillet, scraping the bottom to get all browned bits.
10. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring after each addition until melted.
11. Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss until every strand is coated in sauce.
12. If sauce is too thick, add splashes of reserved pasta water while tossing until the perfect consistency is reached.
13. Return the shrimp to the pan, gently fold them in, and top with freshly chopped parsley.
14. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

HOW TO SERVE Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

When serving Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, make sure it is warm to enjoy the creamy texture fully. You can serve it right from the skillet or transfer it to individual plates. A sprinkle of extra parsley on top can add a nice touch. Pair it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine can also complement the flavors beautifully. Enjoy every bite of this scrumptious pasta dish!

STORAGE & FREEZING : Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

If you have leftovers, store Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. When you are ready to eat it again, just reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat. You can add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to help restore its creamy texture.

Freezing this dish is not recommended because the cream sauce may separate when thawed. Instead, it’s best to enjoy it fresh, but if you need to freeze it, consider freezing the shrimp and sauce separately from the cooked pasta.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

To enhance your Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo experience, consider serving it with:

• A crisp Caesar salad
• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus
• Fresh lemon wedges for a zesty kick
• A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio

These sides will round out your meal and balance the rich flavors of the pasta.

VARIATIONS

There are many ways to make Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo unique:

• Add vegetables: You can toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
• Use different seafood: Substitute shrimp with scallops or crab meat for a different flavor.
• Change the cheese: While Parmesan is traditional, mixing in some mozzarella or Romano can give an interesting twist.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you enjoy spicy food.
• Gluten-free option: You can use gluten-free pasta instead of regular fettuccine to make this dish suitable for those avoiding gluten.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

2. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, you can use an extra egg yolk or let the sauce simmer a bit longer to reduce it.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead of time and then cook the pasta just before serving for the best taste and texture.

4. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter, but the creaminess will not be the same.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

To make your cooking more efficient, consider these make-ahead tips:

• Prep the shrimp: Clean, devein, and store your shrimp in the refrigerator a day before you plan to make the dish.
• Prepare the sauce: You can mix the cream, egg yolk, and nutmeg the day before and store it in the fridge. Just remember to stir it well before using.
• Cook the pasta: You can cook the pasta a few hours ahead of time and keep it in a covered bowl. Just toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

By making some of these preparations in advance, you can reduce your cooking time and enjoy more time with your guests! Enjoy making and sharing this wonderful Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo!

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