Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary gourmet experience! This Linguine Alfredo with Shrimp and Spinach is not just a meal—it's a creamy, luxurious escape that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Imagine twirling your fork into a perfect blend of silky linguine, tender pink shrimp, and vibrant spinach, all embraced by a decadent Parmesan cream sauce that will make your heart skip a beat.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add linguine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked linguine, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
- Add cooked linguine directly to the cream sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water.
- Add fresh spinach to the pasta and stir until spinach begins to wilt, about 1 minute.
- Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to combine and reheat.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The key to an exceptional Alfredo is using fresh shrimp and real Parmesan cheese.
- Don't overcook the shrimp: They should be pink and just cooked through to maintain their tender texture.
- Reserve pasta water: This starchy liquid can help adjust your sauce's consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh: Pre-grated cheese doesn't melt as smoothly and can affect the sauce's texture.
- Serve immediately: Alfredo sauce tends to thicken as it cools, so time your cooking to serve hot and creamy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic or a splash of white wine to the cream sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 540kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 120mg
