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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a luscious and indulgent dish featuring tender fettuccine tossed in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce with succulent sautéed shrimp, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes, this recipe balances creamy and savory flavors with a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes and a fresh finish of chopped parsley and lemon wedges.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta

Shrimp

  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Finishing Touches

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges, for serving


Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  2. Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to keep them tender.
  3. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding burning for optimal flavor.
  4. Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture begins to simmer, allowing it to slightly thicken.
  5. Add Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. Season Sauce: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat, stirring to incorporate all the flavors.
  7. Return Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, gently folding them into the Alfredo sauce to reheat and combine.
  8. Toss Pasta: Add the drained fettuccine pasta into the skillet and toss everything to coat evenly with the creamy shrimp Alfredo sauce.
  9. Add Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta and give everything a final gentle toss to distribute the herbs.
  10. Serve: Serve the creamy garlic shrimp Alfredo pasta immediately, garnished with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, fresh touch. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp when possible for the best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit completely for a milder dish.
  • To save time, use pre-minced garlic but fresh is preferred for optimal flavor.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though it will be less rich.
  • Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh from a block for the creamiest texture and best taste.
  • Ensure not to overcook the shrimp as they can become rubbery.