Imagine twirling your fork into a luxurious plate of perfectly cooked fettuccine, draped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, crowned with succulent, perfectly seared shrimp. This Pasta with Shrimp Alfredo ala Mariani isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary escape that transforms your kitchen into a gourmet Italian restaurant. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or looking to impress your family with a restaurant-quality meal, this dish promises to elevate your cooking game without hours of preparation.
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
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just opaque, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and gently fold into the pasta, heating through for 1-2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Plate the pasta, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce.
- Don't overcook the shrimp—they should be just pink and opaque to maintain tenderness.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; it's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Use medium-high heat when cooking shrimp to get a nice color without making them rubbery.
- 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
