Description
This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach is a luscious fettuccine dish combining succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a comforting and elegant dinner, it brings together the flavors of garlic, white wine, and Parmesan cheese in a creamy, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta and Shrimp
- 12 oz Fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 3 tbsp Butter (divided)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup White wine
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
For Garnish and Add-ins
- 2 cups Fresh spinach leaves
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook stirring frequently until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until it reduces by half, approximately 2-3 minutes. This will concentrate the flavor and burn off the alcohol.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth and creamy sauce without lumps.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the pan. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and shrimp thoroughly with the Alfredo sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and allow them to wilt in the warmth of the sauce and pasta, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top as a garnish. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
- Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- White wine can be omitted or replaced with extra broth if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- To keep the spinach bright and fresh, add it last and just allow to wilt briefly.
