Ah, Creamy Shrimp Alfredo with Garlic Butter Sauce – where do I even begin? This dish is like a warm hug on a plate for me. I still remember the first time I made it; I was trying to impress a special someone and thought, “What’s more romantic than pasta and shrimp?” Little did I know, I’d also impress myself with how delicious it turned out! The combination of tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and a hint of garlic is just heavenly. Every time I whip it up, it brings back the nostalgia of that evening, and trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again.
Now, let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and tasty. The rich flavor profile and creamy texture of the Alfredo sauce paired with perfectly cooked shrimp will make your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make – even on a weeknight!
What’s in Creamy Shrimp Alfredo with Garlic Butter Sauce?
Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta: A solid foundation! Fettuccine is traditional, but linguine works just as well if you’re feeling adventurous. Either way, it’s all about that comforting, slurp-worthy goodness.
Large Shrimp: The stars of the show! I always prefer fresh shrimp, but feel free to use frozen. Just make sure they’re peeled and deveined for ease.
Unsalted Butter: We’re using it for sautéing and richness in our sauce. The unsalted kind lets me control how salty my dish ends up being – a little chef hack!
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is my secret ingredient for that lovely aroma and flavor kick. It adds warmth and depth that is impossible to resist.
Heavy Cream: Oh la la! This is where the creaminess comes in. Full-fat heavy cream ensures your sauce is decadent and luscious.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: This cheesy goodness takes the sauce to a whole new level. Make sure it’s freshly grated for the best melty results!
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the flavors. You can never underestimate the power of these staples in cooking!
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: (Optional but highly recommended) Just a pinch adds a slight kick and enhances the overall flavor without being too overwhelming.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: For garnish! Not only does it look pretty, but it also adds a fresh burst of flavor to finish off the dish.
Is Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Good for You?
While this dish is undeniably a treat, let’s talk about the health side of things!
Heavy Cream: It brings that dreamy texture but does mean this recipe is on the rich side. Enjoying it occasionally is perfectly fine!
Shrimp: These little beauties are low in calories and high in protein. They are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are fantastic for heart health.
Parsley: A simple herb that’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K. Plus, it adds a fresh taste that brightens the dish!
Keep in mind that if you’re keeping an eye on calorie intake or looking to cut back on fat, there are ways to lighten this dish up a bit. You could substitute half and half for heavy cream or use a sprinkle of yeast in place of cheese. But let’s be real – sometimes, it’s just about enjoying the deliciousness, right?
Ingredients
– 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
*This recipe serves about 4 people, so it’s perfect for a cozy dinner night or impressing friends!*
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Alfredo with Garlic Butter Sauce?
1. Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once you’ve got that glorious al dente noodles, drain them and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of that precious pasta cooking water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add in that minced garlic. Oh boy, the smell is to die for! Sauté for about a minute until fragrant – just be sure not to let it burn!
3. Toss in the shrimp and give them a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy). Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn that perfect pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. In that same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then add in the grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth and melty – oh, the creamy goodness is coming together!
5. Now, bring back those cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well combined, adding a splash of that reserved pasta water if the sauce feels like it needs a little loosey-goosey action.
6. Taste and adjust your seasoning with salt and pepper. Oh, and if you fancy a burst of brightness, this would be the moment to add a squeeze of lemon juice! Cook for another minute just to heat everything through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with the beautiful parsley you chopped up!
Delicious Tips for Creamy Shrimp Alfredo
– If you’re looking to elevate this dish, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach! They add an awesome twist and some extra nutrients.
– Garlic bread is a MUST for serving – let’s face it, you’ll want something to soak up that amazing sauce!
– Make it ahead of time? Just keep in mind that cream sauces can thicken over time, so you might want to add a splash of cream or pasta water when reheating.
There you have it—my go-to recipe for Creamy Shrimp Alfredo with Garlic Butter Sauce! Whether you’re looking to impress a date or just treat yourself, this dish is sure to be a hit. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so don’t hesitate to share your experience in the comments! Happy cooking! 🍝
