Prepare to delight your taste buds with a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy right to your dinner table! "Shadow Stevens Fettuccine with Shrimp and Spicy Sauce" is not just a meal; it’s an experience that combines succulent shrimp, creamy sauce, and a hint of spice to create a symphony of flavors. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, this recipe is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet dinner at home. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to whip up a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and become opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
- Drain cooked pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add pasta to the cream sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, gently folding them into the pasta and sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Plate the pasta, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the best texture, make sure to cook your fettuccine until it’s al dente. This means it should have a slight bite to it when you chew, which will hold up beautifully in the creamy sauce.
- Shrimp Secrets: For the juiciest shrimp, ensure they are patted dry before seasoning. This helps them sear nicely in the skillet, locking in flavor and moisture.
- Garlic Timing: Be cautious not to overcook the garlic. Sauté it just until it’s fragrant, which usually takes 30-45 seconds. This prevents bitterness and enhances the dish's overall flavor.
- Creamy Consistency: If you find your sauce too thick after adding the Parmesan, don’t hesitate to use that reserved pasta water! It’s starchy and will help achieve the perfect creamy consistency without diluting the flavor.
- Garnish for Greatness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish. Don’t skip this final touch!
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes according to your taste. You can also experiment with adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 590kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 225mg
