A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Alfredo Pasta with Shrimp

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with the savory taste of fresh shrimp? Look no further! In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a mouth-watering Alfredo pasta with shrimp, from prepping the shrimp to serving the final dish. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's sure to impress your guests!

Prepping the Shrimp

The first step in making Alfredo pasta with shrimp is to prep the shrimp. Begin by de-shelling and de-veining the shrimp, as this will make them easier to cook and eat. Once the shrimp are prepped, season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a drizzle of olive oil. Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1.5 minutes on each side until they become a golden pink on the outside and white and opaque inside. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery and lose their flavor.

Cooking the Pasta and Making the Alfredo Sauce

While the shrimp are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine noodles for about 10 minutes, or until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and add the white sauce to the same pan. Make sure the shrimp are removed from the heat as well. To make the Alfredo sauce, heat a few tablespoons of butter in the shrimp pan, followed by a generous amount of heavy cream, and a touch of cream cheese. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to taste. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

Gradually add the cooked shrimp back into the sauce, making sure they are thoroughly coated. Finally, add the drained pasta to the pan and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the Alfredo sauce.

Final Touches and Serving

To take this dish to the next level, serve it with a tossed green salad and some garlic bread, garlic knots, or garlic sticks. The lemony and herby flavors of the shrimp complement the creamy richness of the Alfredo sauce beautifully, making for a perfectly balanced meal.

You can also experiment with different pasta shapes, such as fettuccine or linguine, to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add some chicken or use a different type of seafood, such as scallops or calamari.

To conclude, here is a brief summary of the steps involved in making Alfredo pasta with shrimp:

Prep the shrimp by de-shelling and de-veining. Cook the shrimp in a hot skillet until they turn golden pink and opaque. Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions. Make the Alfredo sauce by combining butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, and seasonings in the shrimp pan. Add the cooked shrimp and pasta to the sauce, making sure everything is thoroughly coated. Season with lemon juice and chopped parsley for added flavor and freshness. Arrange the pasta on serving plates, sprinkle with extra parsley, and serve with a tossed green salad and garlic bread.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying Alfredo pasta with shrimp right at home, any night of the week. Happy cooking!