Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transform your dinner table into a gourmet Italian restaurant! This Jenny Craig-inspired Shrimp Alfredo is not just a recipe; it's a creamy, dreamy escape that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food critics. With restaurant-quality flavors that you can easily create at home, this dish is about to become your new go-to comfort meal that looks like it took hours to prepare but comes together in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the fettuccine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp. Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the Alfredo sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of pasta water to thin it.
- Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the pasta and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the pasta and gently mix to combine and reheat the shrimp.
- Plate the Shrimp Alfredo and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the most luxurious, smooth sauce - pre-grated cheese can make the sauce grainy.
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They're done when they turn pink and curl slightly - about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water can help you adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and the shrimp at their most tender.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 280mg
