Shrimp Linguine Alfredo: A Creamy Seafood Delight

Shrimp Linguine Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish that combines the delicate flavor of shrimp with the richness of Alfredo sauce, all tossed together with perfectly cooked linguine pasta. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home and is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Creamy and Delicious:** The Alfredo sauce is incredibly rich and flavorful, coating the shrimp and pasta in a velvety smooth embrace.
* **Quick and Easy:** This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with different vegetables, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.
* **Impressive:** Shrimp Linguine Alfredo looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal, making it perfect for entertaining.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love the combination of pasta, shrimp, and creamy sauce.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Linguine:** 1 pound. Linguine is the traditional pasta for Alfredo, but you can substitute fettuccine or your favorite pasta shape.
* **Shrimp:** 1 pound, peeled and deveined. Use medium or large shrimp for the best results. Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used, just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick). Use unsalted butter for the best flavor control.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 1/2 cups. Heavy cream is essential for a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. Don’t substitute with milk or half-and-half, as they won’t provide the same richness.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1 cup, freshly grated. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, not the pre-shredded kind. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and has a better flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a savory depth of flavor to the sauce.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season the shrimp and sauce generously with salt and pepper.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
* **Optional Ingredients:**
* A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* A squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
* White wine (1/4 cup) to deglaze the pan after cooking the garlic.
* Other vegetables like broccoli florets, peas, or spinach.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Colander for draining pasta
* Cheese grater
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Tongs or a large spoon for tossing the pasta and sauce

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Shrimp Linguine Alfredo, step by step:

**Step 1: Cook the Linguine**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The water should be generously salted – about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. This will season the pasta from the inside out.
2. Add the linguine to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it refers to pasta that is cooked but still firm to the bite. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook slightly when it’s tossed with the sauce.
3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp and sauce.

**Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp**

1. If using frozen shrimp, make sure it is completely thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them to brown better in the pan.
2. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

**Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce**

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3. (Optional) Deglaze the pan with white wine. If using white wine, pour it into the pan after sautéing the garlic and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add extra flavor to the sauce. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the cream.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the cream simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it has thickened slightly.
5. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Make sure to add the cheese gradually to prevent it from clumping.
6. Season the Alfredo sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful not to over-salt, as the Parmesan cheese is already salty.

**Step 4: Cook the Shrimp**

1. Add the shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it will become rubbery.

**Step 5: Combine and Serve**

1. Drain the cooked linguine and add it to the skillet with the shrimp and Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
2. (Optional) Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Serve hot, as the sauce will thicken as it cools. You can also add extra grated Parmesan cheese on top.

## Tips for the Best Shrimp Linguine Alfredo

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients make a big difference in the flavor of this dish. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and unpleasant. Cook the shrimp just until it is pink and opaque.
* **Cook the Pasta Al Dente:** Al dente pasta will hold its shape better when tossed with the sauce.
* **Don’t Overcook the Garlic:** Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the flavor of the sauce. Sauté the garlic over low heat until fragrant.
* **Gradually Add the Cheese:** Adding the Parmesan cheese gradually will prevent it from clumping.
* **Season to Taste:** Season the sauce generously with salt and pepper.
* **Serve Immediately:** Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools, so serve the dish immediately.
* **Adjust the Sauce Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it.
* **Use a Non-Stick Skillet:** A non-stick skillet will prevent the shrimp and sauce from sticking to the pan.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, or spices to customize this recipe to your taste.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken Alfredo:** Substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken breast for a classic Chicken Alfredo.
* **Vegetarian Alfredo:** Omit the shrimp and add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, peas, spinach, or mushrooms, for a vegetarian version.
* **Spicy Alfredo:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Lemon Alfredo:** Add a squeeze of lemon juice and some lemon zest to the sauce for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Smoked Salmon Alfredo:** Substitute the shrimp with smoked salmon for a luxurious twist.
* **Different Pasta Shapes:** While linguine is the traditional pasta for Alfredo, you can substitute fettuccine, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta shape.
* **Gluten-Free Alfredo:** Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.
* **Dairy-Free Alfredo:** Use a dairy-free heavy cream substitute and dairy-free Parmesan cheese substitute for a dairy-free version of this dish. Note that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

## Serving Suggestions

Shrimp Linguine Alfredo is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes:

* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to pasta dishes.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad or Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Bruschetta:** Bruschetta is a delicious appetizer that pairs well with pasta.
* **Soup:** A light soup, such as tomato soup or minestrone, can be served as a starter.

## Make Ahead and Storage

* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce gently over low heat before adding the shrimp and pasta.
* **Storage:** Store leftover Shrimp Linguine Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** Freezing Alfredo sauce is not recommended, as the sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked shrimp separately and add it to freshly made Alfredo sauce.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: 600-800 per serving
* Fat: 40-60 grams
* Saturated Fat: 25-35 grams
* Cholesterol: 200-300 mg
* Sodium: 500-800 mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-70 grams
* Fiber: 2-4 grams
* Sugar: 5-10 grams
* Protein: 30-40 grams

## Shrimp Linguine Alfredo Recipe

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound linguine
* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
* 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
* Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes, squeeze of lemon juice, 1/4 cup white wine

**Instructions:**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes, if using.
3. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. (Optional) Deglaze the pan with white wine. Let it reduce slightly.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
6. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
7. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
8. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Add lemon juice, if using.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Linguine Alfredo!

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use frozen shrimp?**
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
* **Can I use a different type of pasta?**
Yes, you can use fettuccine, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta shape.
* **Can I make this dish vegetarian?**
Yes, omit the shrimp and add your favorite vegetables.
* **Can I make this dish dairy-free?**
Yes, use a dairy-free heavy cream substitute and dairy-free Parmesan cheese substitute.
* **How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?**
Add a little pasta water to thin it out.
* **How do I prevent the sauce from being too thin?**
Simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it.
* **How long does Shrimp Linguine Alfredo last in the refrigerator?**
It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
* **Can I freeze Shrimp Linguine Alfredo?**
Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate. You can freeze the cooked shrimp separately.

## Conclusion

Shrimp Linguine Alfredo is a classic dish that is easy to make at home and is guaranteed to impress. With its creamy sauce, delicate shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying Shrimp Linguine Alfredo tonight!