Indulge in the rich, creamy perfection of homemade Shrimp Alfredo, a dish that elevates simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Forget the heavy, overly-processed versions found in restaurants; this recipe delivers a lighter, brighter Alfredo sauce bursting with fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, and the delicate sweetness of succulent shrimp. Imagine tender pasta coated in a luscious, velvety sauce, each bite a symphony of textures and flavors. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to every strand, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
This recipe simplifies the often-daunting task of making Alfredo sauce from scratch, guiding you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips. Ready to transform your weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality experience? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and create your own unforgettable Shrimp Alfredo.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Cold Water
- Pan
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Shrimp
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Other Spices
- Flour
- Oil (Avocado, Olive, Coconut)
- Butter
- Minced Garlic
- Heavy Cream
- Milk
- Parmesan Cheese
- Parsley
- Salt
- Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Cook Pasta
- Prepare your pasta and rinse it in cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with oil to prevent sticking.
- Peel shrimp, leaving tails on. Pinch the tail and remove the shell like taking off a jacket.
- Pat shrimp dry and season with Old Bay and other spices. Flip and season both sides.
- Season flour, then coat each shrimp, dusting off excess flour to prevent clumping.
Step 2. Cook Shrimp and Make Alfredo Sauce
- Cook shrimp in batches in oil (avocado, olive, coconut, or bacon fat) over medium-high heat, 2-3 minutes per side, until 145°F internally.
- Melt butter, add minced garlic and seasonings. Add flour, then heavy cream (or cream and milk, or milk).
- Add spices, agitate to thicken. Bring to a gentle simmer, not a boil. Add pasta water if needed.
Step 3. Combine and Serve
- Gradually add cheese and pasta, mixing until well coated. Season to taste. (This shouldn't take more than 5 minutes.)
- Plate pasta, top with shrimp, and garnish with Parmesan cheese, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp; cook in batches.
- Don't overcook shrimp to keep them juicy and crispy. Overcooked shrimp will harden when reheated.
- Season at every stage of cooking to enhance flavor.
- If reheating, reheat pasta in a pot and add cream, milk, or water to the sauce to prevent breaking.
Nutrition
- Calories: varies
- Fat: varies (g)g
- Carbs: varies (g)g
- Protein: varies (g)g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent a watery sauce.
2. What kind of pasta works best?
Fettuccine or linguine are classic choices for Shrimp Alfredo, but you can use any long pasta you prefer.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If your sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or a little more grated parmesan cheese.
This homemade Shrimp Alfredo recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal with the convenience of home cooking. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture, knowing you’ve created a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying. Now go ahead and savor every bite of this delectable pasta masterpiece!