Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy culinary experience? Get ready to dive into the most tantalizing Spicy Shrimp and Fettuccine that will have your family begging for seconds! This Italian-inspired dish combines the succulent sweetness of perfectly cooked shrimp with a creamy, fiery sauce that packs just the right amount of heat. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a gourmet meal that looks like it took hours to prepare – but our secret recipe makes it incredibly simple!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of fettuccine, 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the fettuccine is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, along with the red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine, allowing the cream to warm through for about 2 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts into the creamy sauce, creating a rich consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Once the fettuccine is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Add the drained fettuccine directly to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce.
- Gently toss the fettuccine in the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Make sure the pasta is well coated with the creamy shrimp mixture.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the Spicy Shrimp and Fettuccine immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade Spicy Shrimp and Fettuccine with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad!
Tips
- Shrimp Cooking Perfection: Watch your shrimp closely while cooking. They're done when they turn pink and curl slightly – overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silkier sauce and helps the pasta and sauce bind together beautifully.
- Garlic Wisdom: When sautéing garlic, keep the heat medium-low and watch carefully. Burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin the entire dish's flavor.
- Spice Control: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference. Start with less – you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Cheese Tip: Grate your Parmesan fresh if possible. Pre-grated cheese doesn't melt as smoothly and can contain anti-caking agents that affect the sauce's texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 250mg
