Bringing the savory delight of Olive Garden's Shrimp Alfredo to your table, this copycat recipe perfectly captures the creamy bliss of their famous dish. Featuring succulent shrimp nestled in velvety Alfredo sauce, this pasta promises to elevate any dining occasion, from a cozy weeknight meal to a celebratory feast.
Ready to treat yourself to a luxurious Italian dinner at home? This shrimp fettuccine alfredo recipe invites you into a world of creamy, seafood-infused pasta that's bound to become a favorite.
Gather your ingredients and follow along as we recreate Olive Garden's signature comfort food, ensuring your culinary venture ends with a plateful of satisfaction.
Equipment and Utensils
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or saute pan for shrimp
- Saucepan for alfredo sauce
- Colander for draining pasta
- Whisk or wooden spoon for stirring sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
Prep Time
Preparing the Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo recipe at home is a breeze. Set aside approximately 30 minutes for both preparation and cooking, ensuring that your ingredients are measured and ready to go for a seamless cooking experience.
Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Gather these ingredients beforehand to ensure you're ready to create a mouthwatering shrimp and alfredo sauce pairing that everyone will be raving about.
How To Proceed
- Begin by cooking the pasta. Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Once done, drain using a colander and set aside, making sure to reserve a cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce later if necessary.
- While the pasta cooks, season shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat and saute the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic, saute for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in the cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy alfredo sauce, adding the cooked shrimp last. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Additional Choices
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- For a richer sauce, mix in a touch of cream cheese until it melts into the sauce.
- Stir in some fried shrimp for added crunch and flavor.
- Swap shrimp with chicken breast for an alternative protein option.
These additional choices allow you to customize the classic Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp to suit your taste and make it your new favorite recipe.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 980 kcal per serving
- Fat: 60g
- Saturated Fat: 35g
- Cholesterol: 365mg
- Sodium: 880mg
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 40g
Expert Tips to Follow
To perfectly cook pasta for Alfredo, ensure the water is at a rolling boil and salted before adding the pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and test for doneness a minute or two before the package's suggested time; it should be al dente, or firm to the bite.
Mastering the art of creamy alfredo sauce involves cooking over a consistent medium heat and whisking regularly to create a smooth, velvety consistency without letting the cream and butter separate. Adding cheese gradually and stirring until it fully melts is also crucial.
For seasoning, a combination of salt, pepper, and a hint of Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor profile of the shrimp and alfredo sauce. When sautéing shrimp, they should be cooked quickly, for just 2 to 3 minutes, until they are pink and opaque to achieve tender perfection.
Remember the ideal pasta-to-sauce ratio; there should be enough sauce to coat the pasta generously without drowning it. If the sauce thickens too much upon standing, a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen the sauce to a creamy dreaminess.
Preparing the Perfect Dish
The Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is a standalone delight, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta. For an even more authentic Italian dining experience, serve with homemade garlic bread or soft breadsticks, which are perfect for sopping up any remaining alfredo sauce on your plate.
For those seeking a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, which complement the creamy shrimp pasta wonderfully, adding a pop of color and nutritional balance to your meal.
How to Store and Reheat
- Allow the shrimp alfredo to cool before transferring to an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to three days.
- To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to the pan to loosen the sauce as needed. Alternatively, microwave in increments, stirring between each, until heated through.
- It's best not to freeze the shrimp alfredo as the cream-based sauce may separate and the shrimp can become rubbery upon thawing and reheating.
Personalizing Your Shrimp Alfredo: Recipe Notes
For those who love to put their twist on recipes, consider these personal touches: start by heating the butter in a saute pan, then add minced garlic and saute for about 30 seconds before adding the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side, then remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, create the butter mixture by adding an additional 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, and if desired, mix in a small amount of cream cheese for extra richness. Once the sauce is ready, toss in the cooked shrimp and cooked pasta, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and garnish with parsley.
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and can be refreshed with a bit of cream when reheating. Serve the shrimp alfredo with a side of breadsticks or garlic bread to complete the Olive Garden experience.
This recipe is adaptable for chicken or other seafood, making it a versatile addition to your dinner recipes repertoire. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this pasta dish is sure to be a hit.
Engage with Fellow Food Lovers and Share Your Experience
Have you tried making this delicious copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo at home? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your cooking tips, tweaks to the recipe, or any questions you might have in the comments below. Your insights could inspire fellow food lovers on their culinary journey!
What are the Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo Ingredients?
The Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo combines tender bites of shrimp and fettuccine pasta in a rich, creamy alfredo sauce. Key ingredients include large shrimp, fettuccine pasta, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese for the sauce's base, garlic to infuse flavor, and butter and cream to achieve that luxurious texture.
This pasta dish is a classic example of Olive Garden's approach to creating hearty, flavorful seafood pasta experiences.
What Does Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Contains?
Olive Garden's Alfredo sauce recipe is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor, primarily consisting of butter, cream, and freshly grated Parmesan and Romano cheese. Garlic is added for a depth of flavor, with cream cheese sometimes incorporated to enhance the sauce's creaminess.
This combination is whisked until smooth, often topped with sautéed shrimp or chicken for a complete dish.
What Pasta to Use in Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo Pasta?
For Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo, fettuccine pasta is the traditional choice, adhering to the classic shrimp fettuccine alfredo presentation. Fettuccine's wide, flat noodles are ideal for holding the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring each bite perfectly combines tender shrimp and pasta.
This type of pasta complements the texture and flavor of the seafood and sauce, making it a staple in this beloved Olive Garden recipe.
How Do You Store and Reheat Leftover Shrimp Alfredo?
To store leftover shrimp alfredo, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. When ready to reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce over medium heat in a pan, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency.
Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. This method helps maintain the dish's flavor and texture, ensuring the shrimp alfredo remains delicious even the next day.
What Sides to Serve with Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo?
When serving Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo, opt for sides that complement the creamy richness of the dish. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus can balance the meal.
Garlic bread or Olive Garden breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any remaining alfredo sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience with their buttery, garlicky flavors.
Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo Recipe - A Delicious Copycat to Make at Home
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or saute pan for shrimp
- Saucepan for alfredo sauce
- Colander for draining pasta
- Whisk or wooden spoon for stirring sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta. Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Once done, drain using a colander and set aside, making sure to reserve a cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce later if necessary.
- While the pasta cooks, season shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat and saute the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic, saute for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in the cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy alfredo sauce, adding the cooked shrimp last. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For those who love to put their twist on recipes, consider these personal touches: start by heating the butter in a saute pan, then add minced garlic and saute for about 30 seconds before adding the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, create the butter mixture by adding an additional 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, and if desired, mix in a small amount of cream cheese for extra richness. Once the sauce is ready, toss in the cooked shrimp and cooked pasta, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and garnish with parsley.
- Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and can be refreshed with a bit of cream when reheating. Serve the shrimp alfredo with a side of breadsticks or garlic bread to complete the Olive Garden experience.
- This recipe is adaptable for chicken or other seafood, making it a versatile addition to your dinner recipes repertoire. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this pasta dish is sure to be a hit.
More Olive Garden Copycat Recipes
Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Olive Garden Chicken Marsala Recipe
Olive Garden Italian Margarita Recipe
Olive Garden Meatball Recipe
Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
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