Shrimp Alfredo

Introduction

Shrimp Alfredo is an Italian-inspired dish that combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with succulent shrimp. The dish is easy to prepare and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The combination of flavours, textures, and colours makes this dish a great choice for any special occasion. This recipe will show you how to make a delicious Shrimp Alfredo that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ease of preparation

Shrimp Alfredo is an easy-to-make dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. All you need is some butter, garlic, cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and parsley. Once you have the ingredients prepped and ready, the dish comes together quickly. The shrimp is cooked in a buttery garlic sauce, and then the cream and Parmesan cheese are added to create the rich Alfredo sauce. Finally, the cooked shrimp is added back to the sauce and served over fettuccine pasta.

Nutritional information

One serving of Shrimp Alfredo contains 590 calories, 36 grams of fat, 34 grams of carbohydrates, and 28 grams of protein. It also contains 690 milligrams of sodium and 5 grams of dietary fibre.

Ingredients

-1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined

-1/2 cup butter

-3 cloves garlic, minced

-2 cups heavy cream

-1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

-1/2 teaspoon salt

-1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

-1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

-2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

-1 lb. cooked fettuccine pasta

Preparation method

To begin, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp and cook until the shrimp is just cooked through about 2 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Add the cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and stir to combine.

Cooking tips

When cooking the shrimp, be sure not to overcook it. Shrimp should be cooked until just opaque and pink in colour.

When adding the cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, be sure to whisk the sauce constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Flavour/Taste

Shrimp Alfredo has a rich and creamy flavour that is complemented by the sweetness of the shrimp. The garlic adds a subtle kick, and the Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavour. The nutmeg and parsley add an earthy depth of flavour to the dish.

Best dishes paired with

Shrimp Alfredo pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Try serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread or roasted potatoes.

Origin of dish and history

Shrimp Alfredo is believed to have originated in Italy in the late 19th century. It is a variation of the classic Italian dish, Fettuccine Alfredo, which is made with just butter and Parmesan cheese. The addition of shrimp and cream to the dish is a more recent adaptation.

Popular alternatives

If you don’t have shrimp on hand, you can substitute chicken or even mushrooms. You can also add other vegetables such as peas, spinach, or asparagus for a more complete meal. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth instead of cream.