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- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced The main ingredients define the dish. Fettuccine pasta gives a nice base. I love using large shrimp for a hearty bite. Garlic and butter bring rich flavors and aroma. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese The sauce makes this dish special. Heavy cream adds a rich, smooth texture. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds depth and flavor. - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Seasonings enhance every bite. Salt and black pepper bring balance. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. This simple garnish makes the dish look and taste great. Boiling Method: Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to make it tasty. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means firm but cooked. Draining Process: When the pasta is ready, carefully pour it into a colander to drain. Make sure to shake off the extra water. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the rest of the dish. Importance of Timing: Timing is key when sautéing garlic. You want to add it at the right moment. Too early, and it may burn. Too late, and it won’t have enough flavor. Achieving the Right Fragrance: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 finely minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells amazing. Be careful not to let it brown. Searing Technique: Once the garlic is fragrant, it’s time to add the shrimp. Use 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Stir them into the skillet. Lightly season with salt and black pepper. Signs of Doneness: Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn a beautiful pink color and curl slightly. This means they are cooked through and ready for the next step. Adding Heavy Cream: With the shrimp cooked, slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring. This helps to combine everything well. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Mixing in Parmesan Cheese: Now, whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. It will thicken slightly as it heats. Tossing Techniques: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet. Use tongs or a large fork to toss the pasta gently. This will help coat the pasta with the creamy sauce and shrimp. Ensuring Full Coating: Make sure every strand of pasta is covered in the sauce. You want rich flavor in every bite. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to help the sauce cling. Adjusting to Taste: Taste your dish and see if it needs more seasoning. Add extra salt or black pepper if needed. Remember, flavors should shine through. Plating Tips: When ready to serve, use deep pasta bowls. This keeps the dish warm. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This adds a nice touch and looks great! - Prepping Ingredients in Advance: Gather all your ingredients before cooking. This saves time and makes cooking smoother. Chop garlic, measure cream, and grate cheese. You will feel more organized and less rushed. - Using Frozen Shrimp: Frozen shrimp work well for this dish. They are easy to store and quick to use. Just thaw them under cold water for about 10 minutes. This can speed up your cooking time. - Whisking Techniques: Whisking is key to a smooth sauce. When you add cream, stir constantly. This helps to blend the cream with the butter and garlic evenly. - Avoiding Curdling: To prevent curdling, keep the heat low. High heat can make the cream separate. Adding cheese slowly while whisking helps keep the sauce creamy. - Cooking Time Management: Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch for their color change. They should turn pink and opaque. This means they are done. - Checking for Overcooking: Overcooked shrimp become tough. If they curl tightly, they are likely overcooked. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender. {{image_4}} You can switch up the pasta for your Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Alfredo. Here are some options: - Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free fettuccine or rice pasta. Both work well and still taste great. - Other Pasta Types: You can use spaghetti, penne, or even zoodles for a fun twist. Each type adds a different texture and shape to the dish. Want to spice up your dish? Here are some great ideas: - Italian Seasoning: Add this mix of herbs for depth. It complements the garlic and shrimp perfectly. - Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of these adds a nice heat. Adjust based on your spice preference. Boost the nutrition and color with veggies: - Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach at the end. It wilts quickly and adds a lovely green touch. - Cherry Tomatoes: Halve some cherry tomatoes and add them for sweetness. They add a burst of flavor and color. To keep your Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Alfredo fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the dish in an airtight container. It should stay good for up to three days. Make sure it cools down first before sealing it. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you have two easy ways to reheat. - Microwave Method: Place your serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes. Check and stir halfway through to heat evenly. - Stovetop Technique: Add a splash of cream to a skillet on low heat. Stir in the pasta and shrimp gently. Heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes. If you want to save your Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Alfredo for later, freezing is an option. - Freezing the Dish: Let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. This will help prevent freezer burn. It can last for up to two months in the freezer. - Thawing and Reheating: To thaw, place your frozen dish in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the stovetop method to keep the sauce creamy. If it seems thick, add a bit of cream or milk while reheating. Yes, you can use alternatives for a lighter sauce. Options include: - Greek yogurt: It adds creaminess and tang. - Coconut milk: This gives a smooth texture with a hint of sweetness. - Milk and flour: Mix equal parts for a creamy base. These choices keep the dish rich but lighter. You can tell shrimp is fully cooked by looking for these signs: - Color change: Raw shrimp is gray, while cooked shrimp turns pink. - Curling shape: Cooked shrimp curls into a "C" shape. - Opaque flesh: The flesh becomes white and opaque when done. These cues help ensure safe consumption. Absolutely, you can use other suitable cheese options: - Pecorino Romano: It has a sharp, salty flavor. - Asiago: This cheese adds a nutty taste. - Mozzarella: For a milder, creamier texture. Feel free to experiment with what you like. Complementary side ideas include: - Garlic bread: It's perfect for soaking up the sauce. - Steamed broccoli: This adds color and nutrition. - Caesar salad: A crisp, fresh contrast to the rich dish. These sides enhance your meal. You can store leftovers safely for about 3 days. - Refrigeration: Keep it in an airtight container. - Freezing: If you want to save it longer, freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to reheat thoroughly before eating! In this post, we covered how to make a tasty Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Alfredo. I shared the key ingredients like fettuccine, shrimp, garlic, and a rich creamy sauce. You learned step-by-step cooking techniques, tips for perfecting the dish, and ways to store leftovers. Try out different pasta and flavors to make this dish your own. Enjoy cooking and savoring each bite of your delicious meal!

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Alfredo 15 Minutes

Indulge in the creamy deliciousness of Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Alfredo with this easy recipe! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines tender shrimp, rich Alfredo sauce, and fettuccine pasta in just 15 minutes. Packed with flavor and guaranteed to impress, it's a must-try for any shrimp lover. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner plans tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces fettuccine pasta

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring ample salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set aside.

    Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, making sure not to let it brown.

      Cook the Shrimp: Stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn a lovely pink and are cooked through.

        Create the Sauce: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy, allowing it to thicken slightly.

          Combine with Pasta: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta thoroughly with the shrimp and creamy sauce. Ensure every strand is enveloped in the rich flavors.

            Season and Finish: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

              Serve and Garnish: Plate the Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Alfredo immediately, garnishing with the chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.

                Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in deep, elegant pasta bowls and add a finishing touch with a light dusting of extra Parmesan and a vibrant sprig of parsley atop for a beautiful, restaurant-quality presentation.