This Seafood Alfredo Pasta is a creamy delight! With tender shrimp and fish in a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a fancy dish that’s still easy to whip up. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Trust me, when you serve this pasta, everyone will be impressed! I usually pair it with a simple salad to balance all that creaminess. Who’s ready for seconds? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: I love fettuccine for its wide shape, holding the creamy sauce beautifully. If you’re out, you can use spaghetti or even gluten-free pasta for a different texture!
Shrimp: Fresh is best for that crisp texture, but frozen shrimp works too. Just thaw them first. If you’re not a shrimp fan, try scallops or lobster for a gourmet twist!
White Fish: Cod or tilapia are great choices, but any flaky white fish will do. If you want to switch it up, consider using salmon for a bolder flavor.
Heavy Cream: This keeps the sauce rich and creamy. If you want something lighter, try half-and-half or a combination of cream and milk, but the texture might be a bit different.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key for melting smoothly. In a pinch, you can swap it with Pecorino Romano or even a good quality store-bought grated cheese for convenience.
What’s the Best Way to Get a Creamy Alfredo Sauce?
Creating the perfect Alfredo sauce boils down to balancing ingredients and heat. Here are some tips:
- Always start with melted butter and sauté garlic to build flavor without burning it.
- Add the cream gradually. This helps to combine everything nicely and prevents separation.
- Whisk in the Parmesan cheese slowly. This ensures a smooth finish. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash of pasta water can help loosen it up!
And remember, a gentle simmer is key—high heat can cause the sauce to break or become oily. With these tips, you’ll have a creamy consistency that everyone loves!
Seafood Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), cut into chunks
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Seafood Alfredo Pasta will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes on prep and cooking the seafood, and another 10-15 minutes making the creamy sauce and combining everything. Perfect for a quick yet fancy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Seafood:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and fish chunks, sprinkling them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and the fish is opaque. Once done, carefully remove the seafood from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, stirring for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it! Then, pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly for about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add Cheese and Season:
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season to your taste with salt, pepper, and, if you like, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some mild heat.
5. Combine Pasta and Seafood:
Gently return the cooked shrimp and fish to the skillet, coating them in the Alfredo sauce. Next, add the drained fettuccine pasta and toss everything well until the pasta is completely coated with that delicious creamy sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s hot, and feel free to top with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Bon appétit! Enjoy your delicious, creamy Seafood Alfredo Pasta!
Can I Use Different Types of Seafood?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of shrimp or fish fillets, you can substitute with scallops, crab meat, or even a mix of your favorite seafood. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed, particularly for delicate seafood like scallops.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
You can lighten it up by using whole wheat pasta or reducing the amount of cream and cheese. Consider using low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative, and add more veggies like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little extra cream or milk to retain creaminess, stirring frequently.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then combine and warm them up when you’re ready to serve. Just be aware that the sauce may thicken upon refrigeration, so add a splash of milk when reheating.