30 Minute Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo

Ingredients:

• 2 cups 2% milk
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 2 Tbs flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 Tbs butter
• 3 Tbs minced garlic
• 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
• 1 cup grated Mozzarella cheese or 3 cheese blend
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (optional)
• Pepper to taste
• Parsley to garnish

Instructions:

1. Smooth Sauce Prep: Use a hand mixer or blender to combine milk, cream cheese, flour, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
2. Garlic Infusion: Melt butter in a saucepan, then add minced garlic. Sauté for a minute, then add shrimp. Cook until pink and just cooked through.
3. Creating the Sauce: Remove shrimp, leaving garlic and butter in the pan. Add milk mixture and stir over medium heat. Simmer and continue stirring until thickened, about 6 minutes.
4. Cheese Integration: Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese and optional Parmesan. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
5. Final Touch: Add shrimp back into the sauce and let stand for another 5 minutes. Serve over your favorite noodles, like fettuccine.

Garnish with parsley for a final touch of elegance and enjoy this creamy, flavorful Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo in just 30 minutes!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Presentation: Serve the Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo over freshly cooked fettuccine or your favorite pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
3. Side Dish: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a complete meal.
4. Wine Pairing: Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy texture and seafood flavors.
5. Individual Portions: For gatherings or family meals, serve the Alfredo in individual pasta bowls for easy serving.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the Alfredo in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
3. Freezing: It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh due to the creamy nature of the sauce. Freezing may alter the texture of the sauce upon thawing.
4. Prep Ahead: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the shrimp and combine with the sauce just before serving for a quicker meal prep.
5. Avoid Overcooking: To maintain the quality of the shrimp, do not overcook them initially. They should be just pink and barely cooked through before removing them from the pan.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo remains delicious and enjoyable, whether freshly made or reheated as leftovers.

Variations:

1. Lemon and Herb Shrimp Alfredo: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and chopped herbs like basil or parsley to the sauce for a citrusy and aromatic twist.
2. Spicy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo: Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning before cooking and add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
3. Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Shrimp Alfredo: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach leaves into the sauce for a burst of color and flavor.
4. Mushroom and Garlic Shrimp Alfredo: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic before adding the shrimp to the pan. Mix into the Alfredo sauce for a hearty and earthy variation.
5. Pesto Shrimp Alfredo: Swirl in a spoonful of basil pesto into the Alfredo sauce for a vibrant and herbaceous flavor profile.
6. Bacon and Pea Shrimp Alfredo: Cook crispy bacon pieces and toss with sweet peas into the Alfredo sauce along with the shrimp for a comforting and savory dish.
7. Roasted Red Pepper Shrimp Alfredo: Blend roasted red peppers into the sauce for a slightly smoky and sweet flavor enhancement.
8. Creamy Tomato Basil Shrimp Alfredo: Add a dollop of tomato paste and chopped fresh basil to the sauce for a creamy tomato-infused Alfredo.
9. Garlic Butter Shrimp Alfredo: Increase the amount of garlic and butter in the recipe for a richer garlic butter flavor throughout the dish.
10. Seafood Medley Alfredo: Mix in a combination of shrimp, scallops, and/or crab meat to create a luxurious seafood Alfredo medley.
11. Lemon Pepper Shrimp Alfredo: Season the shrimp with lemon pepper seasoning before cooking and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a zesty twist.
12. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Shrimp Alfredo: Stir in chopped spinach and canned artichoke hearts (drained and chopped) into the Alfredo sauce for a creamy and savory combination.
13. Pesto Alfredo with Shrimp: Incorporate basil pesto into the Alfredo sauce for a burst of fresh herb flavor, complementing the shrimp beautifully.
14. Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Alfredo: Increase the amount of Parmesan cheese in the sauce for a stronger cheesy flavor, enhancing the garlic and shrimp.
15. Tomato Basil Shrimp Alfredo: Add diced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to the sauce for a vibrant and summery twist on traditional Alfredo.

These variations offer a range of flavors and ingredients to personalize your Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo, making it a versatile and delicious meal for any occasion.

FAQs:

1. Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as linguine, spaghetti, or penne, instead of fettuccine.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
   • Yes, thaw frozen shrimp before cooking them according to the recipe. Ensure they are deveined and peeled.
3. How can I make this dish less creamy?
   • Reduce the amount of cream cheese or substitute with milk for a lighter sauce consistency.
4. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Add them to the sauce at the end and heat through until warm.
5. What can I substitute for Mozzarella cheese?
   • You can use a 3 cheese blend, Parmesan, or another mild melting cheese of your choice.
6. How can I make this dish spicier?
   • Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce when cooking the garlic for a spicy kick.
7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and cook the shrimp just before serving for a quicker meal.
8. What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
   • Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.
9. Can I omit the shrimp and make this vegetarian?
   • Yes, omit the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
10. How do I prevent the cream cheese from clumping in the sauce?
    • Ensure the cream cheese is softened and mix it well with the milk mixture until smooth before adding to the saucepan.

These FAQs provide helpful tips and answers to common questions about preparing and customizing Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo, ensuring a delicious and successful cooking experience.