Classic Shrimp Alfredo

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Classic Shrimp Alfredo is a timeless dish that brings a touch of elegance to any dinner table. It's creamy, rich, and packed with shrimp goodness, making it a go-to for weeknight meals or special occasions. Let's dive into this delightful recipe that's sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Classic Shrimp Alfredo

The star of the show is, of course, the shrimp. They bring a sweet and briny flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Opt for medium to large shrimp for the best texture. The fettuccine is the classic pasta choice here, providing a flat surface that holds the sauce well. Unsalted butter is used to sauté the garlic and shrimp, giving you control over the saltiness of the dish. Speaking of garlic, it adds a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor — just make sure it's minced finely for even distribution. The heavy cream is what makes this Alfredo sauce so luxuriously rich, while the parmesan cheese brings a nutty and salty component that ties everything together. Finally, a touch of salt and pepper to season and fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an even creamier sauce, you can add a bit of pasta water to the skillet while combining the pasta and sauce.
  • Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready to go; the cooking process moves quickly.
  • If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
  • Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives a superior flavor compared to pre-grated.

Serving Suggestions

This Classic Shrimp Alfredo pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad on the side, perhaps with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A nice crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. If you're feeling fancy, a glass of chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish marvelously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Although fettuccine is traditional, you can use any pasta you like or have on hand.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich. If you use milk, you might need to add a thickener like flour.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Consider using whole wheat pasta and reducing the amount of cream. You can also add more vegetables, like spinach or broccoli, for extra nutrition.

Classic Shrimp Alfredo Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, get your pot of water boiling and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 10 minutes, but keep an eye on it. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Once it's done, drain it well and set it aside for later.

While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and let it sauté for about a minute, just until it's fragrant. Be careful here — garlic can burn quickly, and you want it to be golden and aromatic, not bitter.

Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook these little guys until they're pink and opaque, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Give them a good stir to ensure they cook evenly. Once the shrimp are cooked through, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. You want to warm it through, but not boil it, to prevent the cream from curdling.

Slowly stir in the parmesan cheese, a little at a time, mixing constantly until it's melted and the sauce is smooth. This step is crucial for a velvety sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking.

Now, it's time to bring it all together. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss everything to coat the pasta evenly in that luscious sauce. Make sure every strand is covered. Finally, sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley for a bit of brightness and serve it up hot.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights.
  • Rich and creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the fettuccine.
  • Packed with succulent shrimp for a seafood lover's dream.
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz fettuccine
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque.
4. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Gradually add parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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