Tired of heavy, creamy Alfredo sauces that leave you feeling sluggish? This healthy shrimp Alfredo recipe delivers all the rich, decadent flavor you crave, without the guilt! It's a fantastic quick dinner idea, perfect for a busy weeknight, and surprisingly easy to make, even for homemade cooking beginners. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meal game with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup light cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp & Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 3: Add the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the light cream, Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy shrimp sauce. Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy and delicious shrimp Alfredo!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery. Cook until just pink and opaque.
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese. The flavor of the cheese will significantly impact the taste of the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to your liking. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
- Add vegetables! For an even healthier meal, add some sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the sauce.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp Alfredo: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Alfredo: Increase the amount of lemon juice to 3 tablespoons for a brighter, more lemony flavor.
- Chicken Alfredo: Substitute cooked chicken breast for the shrimp.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: 30-35g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This healthy shrimp Alfredo recipe is a fantastic example of delicious food recipes that don't compromise on flavor or nutrition. It's a perfect example of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, suitable for both beginner and experienced cooks. Enjoy this homemade cooking masterpiece!