Indulge in a culinary journey to Italy with our irresistible Trattoria Style Shrimp Fettuccine! This creamy, flavorful dish combines succulent shrimp with perfectly cooked fettuccine, all enveloped in a rich Parmesan sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Ready in just 30 minutes, you'll discover that creating restaurant-quality pasta is easier than you think. Dive into our recipe and unlock the secrets to this delectable dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta, 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh basil for garnish.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip them over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fully cooked and opaque.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to simmer gently for about 2 minutes. Stir frequently to combine the flavors.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the fettuccine is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- If needed, adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the shrimp fettuccine immediately, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch. Enjoy your Trattoria Style Shrimp Fettuccine!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always salt your boiling water generously before adding the fettuccine. This enhances the flavor of the pasta and is a crucial step in achieving that authentic Italian taste.
- Shrimp Secrets: For the best results, use fresh shrimp if possible. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry to achieve a nice sear.
- Garlic Timing: Be cautious with the garlic; sauté it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. This will ensure a delicious base for your sauce.
- Creamy Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This not only helps achieve the perfect consistency but also adds extra flavor.
- Garnish with Flair: Fresh basil isn’t just for looks! It adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the dish. Consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine to elevate your dining experience and make it feel even more special.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 250mg
