Description: Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of Olive Garden’s Shrimp Alfredo, recreated in your own kitchen. This recipe delivers a rich, decadent Alfredo sauce clinging to perfectly cooked fettuccine, topped with succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp. Quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces fettuccine noodles
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced and divided
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (size 21/25 recommended)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, sliced and softened
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of sea salt. The salt is crucial; it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add the fettuccine noodles and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and signifies that the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook slightly in the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside. To prevent the pasta from sticking together, you can toss it with a small amount of olive oil or butter. Cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp. In a large skillet or saute pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the melted butter. Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the raw shrimp to the pan in a single layer, if possible. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavor and a rubbery texture. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. The cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp. Do not overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough and rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan: Wipe the skillet or saute pan with a clean paper towel to remove any excess bits of garlic and shrimp residue. This step is important because it prevents the garlic from burning in the next stage of cooking and ensures that the sauce has a clean, creamy flavor.
Step 4: Create the Alfredo Base: Add the remaining butter (1/4 cup) and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Melt the butter over medium heat, cooking the garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Again, be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the sliced and softened cream cheese to the pan. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese melts and begins to incorporate into the butter. The cream cheese adds richness and tanginess to the Alfredo sauce, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.
Step 5: Develop the Alfredo Sauce: Continue whisking while slowly pouring in the heavy cream and the milk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Continue cooking the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Add half of the freshly grated parmesan cheese and whisk until it melts and is fully incorporated into the sauce. Then, add the remaining parmesan cheese and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. The parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the Alfredo sauce and helps to thicken it. Add the dried oregano and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed. The oregano adds a subtle herbaceous note to the Alfredo sauce, complementing the richness of the cream and cheese.
Step 6: Combine and Serve: Add the drained fettuccine pasta to the sauce and stir gently to coat the noodles evenly. Ensure that all the noodles are well-coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Serve immediately, topped with the warm shrimp and a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Comfort Food at Its Finest: It’s the ultimate comfort food, delivering a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying experience.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavor, the recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home, requiring only a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to your liking. Add more or less garlic, cheese, or spices to suit your taste. You can also substitute different types of pasta or add other vegetables, such as broccoli or mushrooms.
- Impress Your Guests: This dish is elegant enough to serve to guests, yet simple enough to make for a weeknight dinner.
- Better Than Takeout: Homemade always tastes better! You can control the quality of the ingredients and ensure that the dish is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for dipping in the Alfredo sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the Alfredo.
- Offer a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat.
- A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce and seafood beautifully.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Freshly grated parmesan cheese makes a big difference.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! Cook until just pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more milk or cream, if needed.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out. The starchy water will also help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Grate your own parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the Alfredo sauce.
- If you have leftover Alfredo sauce, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to thin it out if necessary.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
Conclusion:
This Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to indulge in a restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the pan to ensure they sear properly.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While fettuccine is the classic choice, you can use other pasta shapes like linguine, spaghetti, or even penne. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package directions.
- Is there a substitute for heavy cream? If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. However, the sauce will be less rich and thick. You can also use a combination of whole milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the Alfredo sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to thin it out if necessary. Cook the pasta and shrimp just before serving to ensure they are fresh and tender.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish? Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the dish. Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus are all excellent choices. Add the vegetables to the pan after cooking the shrimp and saute them until tender-crisp before adding the Alfredo sauce.
