Shrimp Scampi With Pasta Alfredo: A Simple Yet Flavorful Delight
Overview
Indulge in a scrumptious seafood dish that will transport your taste buds to the coastal shores with this delectable Shrimp Scampi With Pasta Alfredo recipe. In just 45 minutes, you can prepare a meal that’s not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor, perfect for any lunch or snack. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Description
It truly doesn’t get any simpler than this delightful recipe! Excluding the marinating time and the period needed to heat the pasta water, you’ll find that dinner can be on the table in as little as ten minutes. This culinary gem has been a beloved favorite in my family for a couple of years, and I find myself preparing it approximately twice a month. I typically eyeball the ingredient quantities, so feel free to adjust based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For added convenience, I often prepare the raw shrimp with the marinade in Ziploc bags and store them in the freezer. This allows for incredibly quick mid-week dinners; you can cook the shrimp straight from frozen, just adding a minute or two to the cooking time. While my mom enjoys adding half a teaspoon of dry mustard to her marinade, I prefer to keep it out due to personal taste.
Cooking Times
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 45 minutes |
Recipe Category
Lunch/Snacks
Keywords
- Less than 60 Minutes
- Easy
- Inexpensive
Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this mouthwatering Shrimp Scampi With Pasta Alfredo:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw shrimp | 1 pound |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried parsley flakes | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry pasta (your choice) | 1 pound |
| Half-and-half | 1 cup |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information
Enjoy the delightful flavors of this dish while being mindful of your nutritional intake. Here’s the nutritional information per serving, based on a yield of four servings:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 817.9 |
| Total Fat | 30.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 202.9 mg |
| Sodium | 1729.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 91.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g |
| Sugars | 3.8 g |
| Protein | 42.1 g |
Instructions
To create this delicious dish, follow these simple steps:
-
Marinate the Shrimp: Begin by marinating the shrimp with the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried parsley, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Allow the shrimp to soak in these flavors until you’re ready to cook them.
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Prepare the Pasta: About thirty minutes before you plan to serve, start heating a large pot of salted water for the pasta. While the water heats, place the half-and-half and butter in a large serving bowl to soften. If you wish, you can microwave them for about a minute or two to expedite the process.
-
Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, set over high or medium-high heat, allow the pan to get really hot. This is crucial for properly cooking the shrimp and developing a beautiful sear.
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Cook the Shrimp: When the pasta is approximately three minutes away from being done—aiming for that perfect al dente texture—carefully pour the marinated shrimp and all the marinade into the hot skillet. Sauté the shrimp, tossing them gently as they cook to ensure even heating.
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Finish Cooking: Once the shrimp have turned pink and curled up, which should take around three minutes, remove the skillet from the heat.
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Combine with Pasta: Drain the pasta once it’s done and immediately transfer it into the bowl with the softened half-and-half and butter. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss everything together gently; the residual heat from the pasta will melt the butter and cheese, creating a creamy sauce.
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Serve and Enjoy: Finally, pour the sautéed shrimp and the delicious sauce over the pasta, tossing lightly to combine all the flavors. Serve immediately for the best experience, and enjoy this quick yet indulgent dish with your loved ones.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi With Pasta Alfredo recipe is a true testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. With just a handful of ingredients and a minimal time investment, you can create a delicious, satisfying meal that brings everyone together. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or impressing guests at a casual gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite and the joy of sharing this culinary treasure with those you love!
