Craving that creamy, dreamy Red Lobster Shrimp Alfredo? Forget the expensive restaurant bill! This recipe delivers the same luscious, garlicky shrimp Alfredo sauce you love, all made from scratch in your own kitchen. It’s easier than you think, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delicious and surprisingly easy homemade dish. This quick dinner idea is also a healthy meal option, perfect for those looking for satisfying yet nutritious food recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Make the Sauce:
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Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will thicken your sauce beautifully.
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Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it's melted and completely incorporated, creating that signature creamy texture.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
Combine and Serve:
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the Alfredo sauce and shrimp. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
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Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in the fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Red Lobster Copycat Alfredo:
- Don't overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp will be tough. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese. The flavor of the Parmesan cheese significantly impacts the overall taste of the dish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Fresh parsley is key. It adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
- For a richer flavor, you can sauté the shrimp in a little olive oil before adding it to the sauce.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus would be delicious additions to this dish.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and ingredients used. A general estimate is:
- Calories: 500-600
- Fat: 30-40g
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This Red Lobster-inspired shrimp Alfredo is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are easier to make than you think. Enjoy this easy recipe, a perfect addition to your collection of best recipes and homemade cooking adventures! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a satisfying meal, and the ultimate comfort food.