Zesty Lemon Herb Shrimp Alfredo

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're looking for a dish that perfectly blends creamy comfort with a zesty kick, this Zesty Lemon Herb Shrimp Alfredo is for you. With its vibrant flavors and creamy sauce, it's an ideal way to elevate your weeknight dinner game.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Herb Shrimp Alfredo

The succulent shrimp are the stars here, providing a sweet, tender bite that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce. Fettuccine pasta serves as the ideal vehicle to soak up all that deliciousness. Butter adds richness, while the heavy cream creates that signature Alfredo texture. Garlic brings a fragrant depth, and Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory note. The lemon zest and juice give the dish its signature zing, balanced by the fresh parsley and basil for a herby freshness. A touch of olive oil helps to cook the shrimp to perfection, and a splash of chicken broth helps meld the sauce together. Lastly, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives it just the right amount of heat.

Tips & Tricks

  • Reserve some pasta water before draining; it can help adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the cheese.
  • For extra lemony flavor, add a bit more zest — but be careful not to overdo it!
  • Fresh herbs make a big difference, but in a pinch, dried can be used.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. A crusty loaf of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the remaining sauce. For a touch of elegance, serve with a chilled glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, any pasta that holds sauce well will work.
What if I don't have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be substituted, but use about a third of the amount since they're more concentrated.
Can this be made ahead of time?
The sauce is best made fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and pasta in advance.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth.

Zesty Lemon Herb Shrimp Alfredo Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking your fettuccine according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water well to give the pasta some flavor. Once it's done, drain it and set it aside.

In a large skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the shrimp and cook them until they're pink and opaque, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside for later.

Using the same skillet, melt the butter and add in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. You don't want it to burn, so keep an eye on it.

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and let it come to a gentle simmer. Once it's there, reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until you have a smooth and melted sauce.

Now, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to make sure the flavors are well combined.

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, giving them a good toss so they're nicely coated in the sauce. Finally, add the cooked fettuccine, tossing again until the pasta is thoroughly covered with the creamy sauce.

Garnish with extra parsley, basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy. Serve it warm and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make — ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Fresh and zesty flavors from lemon and herbs.
  • Rich and creamy Alfredo sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
  • Protein-packed shrimp for a satisfying meal.
  • Simple yet impressive, perfect for entertaining guests.

Ingredients

1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 oz fettuccine pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup chicken broth
Red pepper flakes to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and mix in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
8. Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing until evenly coated with sauce.
9. Garnish with additional parsley, basil, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.

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