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Shrimp Fettuccine with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Shrimp Fettuccine with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Shrimp Fettuccine with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a quick and flavorful pasta dish that pairs tender shrimp with a luscious, smoky-sweet roasted red pepper sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this vibrant and creamy meal combines fresh ingredients for a balanced taste and stunning presentation, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Pasta

  • 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta

Sauce

  • 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh Herbs

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley

Optional Variations and Additions

  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne (for spice)
  • Sautéed mushrooms or grilled zucchini (vegetarian substitute for shrimp)
  • Half-and-half or coconut milk (lighter sauce option)
  • Fresh thyme, oregano, or tarragon (herb boost)
  • Gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles (alternative pasta)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce Base: Blend the roasted red peppers with garlic, a splash of heavy cream, and a touch of olive oil until smooth to create the creamy, smoky foundation of the sauce.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the shrimp until just pink and tender. Season with salt and pepper. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
  3. Boil the Fettuccine: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared roasted red pepper sauce into the shrimp pan, then add cooked fettuccine. Toss together over low heat. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water to desired creamy consistency.
  5. Finish with Parmesan and Herbs: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley, allowing the residual warmth to melt the cheese and release herb aromas.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture, though thawed frozen shrimp work as well.
  • Roasting your own red peppers adds more intense smoky flavor.
  • Cook pasta al dente to best hold the sauce and avoid mushiness.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water gradually.
  • Finish with fresh herbs for brightness and contrast to the creamy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Shrimp, Fettuccine, Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, Creamy Pasta, Quick Dinner, Italian, Seafood Pasta, Gluten-Free Option