There’s something magical about the combination of pasta and seafood. It evokes images of warm coastal breezes and vibrant dinner gatherings. Shrimp fettuccine is a splendid way to capture that sensation in the comfort of your own home. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a delightful medley of textures and flavors that make for a truly satisfying meal. Let’s dive into this shrimp fettuccine recipe that’s simple, yet elegant, and is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why We Love This Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe
Shrimp fettuccine is a fantastic dish that ticks all the boxes for a delicious meal. The tender fettuccine noodles serve as the perfect base, offering a rich and creamy presence with every bite. The star of the dish, fresh shrimp, is full of protein and adds a subtle sweetness to the overall flavor.
What makes this dish even more appealing is its ability to come together in about 30 minutes. Picture yourself bringing a plate of this creamy goodness to the table, accompanied by fresh parsley garnish and bright cherry tomatoes that make it all visually appealing.
Moreover, this shrimp fettuccine recipe is quite flexible. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a casual weeknight dinner, it fits right in. It’s a meal that allows you to be creative; you can add or switch ingredients according to your preferences. You’ll find that this recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also warms your heart with every forkful.
Ingredients for Shrimp Fettuccine
To make your delightful shrimp fettuccine, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces fettuccine (whole wheat or regular)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 12 ounces large uncooked shrimp, peeled, tails removed, and deveined
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup low-sodium fat-free chicken broth
- 1/3 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 bag (6 ounces) baby spinach
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Shrimp Fettuccine Directions
Cooking the Pasta: Start by boiling a pot of water. Add a pinch of salt, then toss in the fettuccine. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Make sure to stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cooking the Shrimp: In a large nonstick skillet, melt the tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season them with salt and pepper, and stir in one clove of minced garlic. Allow the shrimp to cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Safely remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Cooking the Tomatoes: In the same skillet, drizzle in the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for roughly one minute until they start to soften. Next, add in the remaining two cloves of minced garlic, cooking for an additional 20 seconds until you can smell the lovely garlic aroma.
Making the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, softened cream cheese, and skim milk into the skillet. Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, additional salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil while stirring continuously. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for around 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Bringing It All Together: Add the baby spinach to the skillet, allowing it to wilt down for about one minute. Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the fettuccine is well coated with that creamy, flavorful sauce.
Finishing Touch: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the chopped parsley for that extra pop of color and flavor.
Serve: Dish out your shrimp fettuccine onto plates and enjoy the warmth of home-cooked comfort food.
How to Serve Shrimp Fettuccine
When it comes to serving shrimp fettuccine, presentation is key. Start by twisting a portion of the fettuccine onto the center of each plate. This elegant arrangement creates a visual focal point. Drizzle any excess sauce over the top, and don’t forget to arrange the shrimp around the pasta for an eye-catching look.
Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the finished dish for a fresh and vibrant touch. You might also want to add a few cherry tomato halves on the side for a splash of color. Serve your shrimp fettuccine with crusty bread on the side; its delightful texture is perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce.
Pair your meal with a cold glass of sparkling water or a refreshing iced tea to balance the creaminess of the dish. The flavors meld beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience.
Expert Tips: Shrimp Fettuccine
Choosing Shrimp: When selecting shrimp, opt for large or jumbo shrimp for a meatier bite. Make sure they are fresh or thawed properly for optimal flavor.
Proper Cooking: Ensure the shrimp are cooked just until they turn pink. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.
Cream Cheese Alternatives: If you’re looking for a dairy-free or lighter version, consider using a dairy-free cream cheese or a plant-based alternative.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to enhance your dish with a variety of vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus would all be fantastic additions.
For Additional Flavor: A pinch of red pepper flakes can sprinkle added heat, while a squeeze of lemon before serving can brighten up the flavors even more.
How to Store Shrimp Fettuccine
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing your shrimp fettuccine is quite simple. Allow it to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the dish seems a bit dry during reheating, consider adding a splash of skim milk or chicken broth to restore the creaminess.
Variations of Shrimp Fettuccine
One of the best aspects of this shrimp fettuccine dish is its versatility. Here are some exciting variations to consider:
Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine: Add some heat by incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce.
Creamy Pesto Fettuccine: Swap out the garlic cream sauce with your favorite basil pesto for a fragrant and delicious twist.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine: Add a splash of lemon juice and zest to the creamy sauce to brighten the flavors further.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables for a delightful vegetarian version that does not skimp on flavor.
Shellfish Medley: For the seafood lovers, mix in scallops or lobster pieces along with shrimp for an indulgent seafood pasta feast.
FAQ: Shrimp Fettuccine
What should I serve with shrimp fettuccine?
Pair your shrimp fettuccine with a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to properly thaw them before cooking.
Is it possible to make shrimp fettuccine ahead of time?
While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead of time. Just combine with the pasta when ready to serve.
How can I make shrimp fettuccine healthier?
You can use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cream cheese, and add more vegetables to boost its nutritional content.
Is it possible to substitute the pasta?
Absolutely! For a low-carb option, you can use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional fettuccine.
Shrimp Fettuccine
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large nonstick skillet
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 8 oz Fettuccine (whole wheat or regular)
- 1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 12 oz Large Uncooked Shrimp peeled, tails removed, and deveined
- 3 cloves Garlic minced (divided)
- 1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup Low-Sodium Fat-Free Chicken Broth
- 1/3 cup Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese softened
- 1/2 cup Skim Milk
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
- 6 oz Baby Spinach 1 bag
Instructions
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and stir in one clove of minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 minute, then add remaining garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds.
- Add chicken broth, cream cheese, and milk to the skillet. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in baby spinach until wilted, then return shrimp and fettuccine to the skillet. Toss gently to combine.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
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