Description
Creamy Shrimp Tuscan Fettuccine delivers Mediterranean charm with silky pasta kissed by succulent shrimp and rich garlic cream sauce. Coastal Italian flavors dance together, promising a quick, luxurious dinner perfect for weekend indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Cream:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Produce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine, cooked according to package instructions
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by seasoning with aromatic spices, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the seasoned shrimp in a hot skillet over medium heat, cooking each side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and reach perfect doneness, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate, reserving them for later incorporation into the dish.
- In the same skillet, melt butter to create a rich base for the sauce, allowing it to develop a golden hue.
- Introduce minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing them until their fragrance fills the kitchen and their flavors intensify.
- Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese, gently simmering the mixture until it thickens and develops a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Fold fresh spinach into the sauce, allowing the leaves to wilt and integrate seamlessly with the creamy base.
- Reintroduce the perfectly cooked shrimp into the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the luscious sauce.
- Combine the prepared fettuccine with the shrimp and sauce, ensuring each strand is generously enveloped in the creamy mixture.
- If the sauce appears too thick, gradually incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve an ideal, silky texture.
- Plate the fettuccine, creating an appetizing presentation that showcases the vibrant ingredients.
- Optionally, enhance the dish with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a light dusting of red pepper flakes for an extra flavor dimension.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal temperature and texture of this Tuscan-inspired pasta creation.
Notes
- Swap shrimp for grilled chicken or tofu to create vegetarian or alternative protein options for diverse dietary preferences.
- Reduce cream and use half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie version that maintains creamy texture.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or omitting them completely for sensitive palates or kid-friendly meals.
- Reserve pasta cooking water strategically to help create silky, well-coated sauce that clings perfectly to fettuccine without becoming too dry or runny.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 150mg