Shrimp And Penne Pasta With Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Gather ’round, pasta lovers, because I’m about to take you on a creamy, dreamy culinary journey with my Shrimp and Penne Alfredo—a dish so indulgent, it’ll make you question why you ever bothered with takeout!

I adore crafting recipes that allow the dual forces of simplicity and flavor to synergize, and my Shrimp and Penne Pasta with Homemade Alfredo Sauce is no exception. Tender shrimp sautéed in olive oil with garlic, creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce, and al dente penne unite to make a delightful meal.

The fresh parsley and optional lemon wedges in this dish provide a flavor boost and a bright finish.

Shrimp And Penne Pasta With Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Penne Pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy and a base to the dish.
• Large Shrimp: High in protein, low in calories, and rich in omega-3s.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a savory, nutty flavor and protein content.
• Garlic: Enhances flavor with a pungent, aromatic kick; also nutritious.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adding depth and complexity.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat with a rich, fruity taste.

Shrimp And Penne Pasta With Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

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How to Make this Shrimp And Penne Pasta With Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne until al dente, according to package instructions. Save 1/2 cup of the water, then drain and set aside the pasta.

2. In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the shrimp. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and black pepper, and some Italian seasoning. Cook the shrimp in the frying pan until they are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the frying pan and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. When melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until it emits a delicious aroma, about 1 minute.

4. Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 cup of heavy cream, mixing it in with the garlic and butter.

5. Slowly incorporate 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet, stirring continuously until everything is melted and the sauce is smooth.

6. For seasoning, the sauce needs 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Taste it; if it’s not right, adjust the seasoning. You should be able to discern the flavors as you taste.

7. Combine the cooked penne pasta and shrimp in a skillet. Gently mix to unite the ingredients, ensuring that the pasta and shrimp are nicely enveloped in the Alfredo sauce. If you find the sauce has become too thick, add pasta water that you’ve reserved until you reach the desired consistency.

8. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped, and mix it into the pasta and shrimp.

9. Take the skillet off the heat and allow it to sit for a few minutes. This lets the flavors meld.

10. Serve straightaway, adding optional lemon wedges to the side. Squeeze them over the Shrimp and Penne Pasta with Homemade Alfredo Sauce—you egg yourself!

Shrimp And Penne Pasta With Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Large frying pan or skillet
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Strainer or colander
5. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
6. Chef’s knife
7. Cutting board
8. Garlic press (optional)
9. Grater
10. Serving platter or plates

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?A: Of course, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to not cook them directly from frozen; let them thaw completely first.
• Q: Is there a dairy-free alternative for the Alfredo sauce?A: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Q: How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?A: You can thin the sauce if it gets too thick during cooking by adding in a bit of reserved pasta water, which you’ve set aside for that very purpose, until it reaches your preferred sauce consistency.
• Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?Of course! You can incorporate veggies like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to amp up the taste and nutrition of the dish.
• Q: How can I make the dish spicier?A: You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to turn up the temperature.
• Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?A: Certainly, you can use any shape of pasta that you like, such as fettuccine or linguine, for this recipe.
• Q: How do I ensure the shrimp is perfectly cooked?A: Ensure that the shrimp are properly cooked and not overcooked. Your goal is shrimp that is tender and juicy, and the cooking time given will yield that result. This tends to be one of those ingredient/cooking time/technique combinations where you have to really trust the time given. Cook the shrimp until they are perfectly pale pink and opaque all the way through.

Shrimp And Penne Pasta With Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

To replace penne pasta, use fettuccine, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
For jumbo shrimp: Use chicken breast, diced, or scallops.
To substitute for heavy cream: Use half-and-half or a blend of whole milk and butter.
For cheese Parmesan: Use Romano Pecorino or Grana Padano.
You can use any of these oils to replace olive oil in a recipe:

For olive oil: Substitute with vegetable oil or avocado oil.

Pro Tips

1. Shrimp Prep Tip Before cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them to sear better in the pan, giving them a nice golden color and preventing steaming.

2. Parmesan Cheese Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated. Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a creamier texture and more robust flavor to the Alfredo sauce.

3. Garlic Aromatics Be cautious when sautéing the garlic. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn, as this can turn the sauce bitter. Aim for a light golden color and a strong aroma to get the best flavor without that bitterness.

4. Reserved Pasta Water When adding reserved pasta water to the sauce, do so gradually. Start with a little, stir, and check the consistency before adding more. This liquid helps to bind the sauce to the pasta and gives you control over the sauce’s thickness.

5. Finishing Touch Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. It enhances the flavor, cutting through the richness of the sauce and adding a fresh, zesty note that complements the shrimp and parsley beautifully.