This creamy Seafood Alfredo Pasta is a delightful treat for seafood lovers! With tender shrimp, scallops, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it brings a taste of the ocean to your dinner table.
I love how quick it is to whip up this dish after a long day. Just cook the pasta, toss in the seafood, and pour that luscious Alfredo sauce over it. Dinner made easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: This wide pasta is perfect for catching that creamy sauce. If you don’t have fettuccine, tagliatelle or even spaghetti works well too. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed!
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp can work too—just make sure to thaw it first. If you’re looking for a substitute, cooked crab or lobster can also be delightful!
Scallops: These add a lovely sweetness; however, you can skip them if they aren’t available. You could also use other seafood like clams or mussels if you prefer.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, half-and-half can be used, though the sauce may not be quite as rich and creamy. Alternatively, coconut cream offers a dairy-free option, but it’ll change the flavor a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key for a smooth sauce. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) could work, but expect a different flavor profile.
How Do I Make Creamy Alfredo Sauce Without It Seizing Up?
Getting that smooth, creamy Alfredo sauce can sometimes be tricky, but here are some tips!
- Ensure your cream is at room temperature before adding it to the pan. This helps it blend better.
- Always whisk in the cheese slowly over low heat. Adding it too quickly or using high heat can cause it to clump.
- Make sure to stir continuously as the cheese melts, so it gets evenly incorporated.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water or more cream to reach your desired consistency.
Delicious Seafood Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
For the Seafood:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb scallops (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
For Cooking:
- Olive oil for cooking seafood
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Seafood Alfredo Pasta recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep and cooking time. It’s quick, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Fettuccine:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the fettuccine and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. You’re on your way to a tasty dish!
2. Prepare the Seafood:
While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp and scallops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better! Season them lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper to add some flavor.
3. Sauté the Seafood:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the shrimp and scallops. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re opaque and cooked through. When they’re done, remove the seafood from the pan and set it aside for later.
4. Make the Garlic Butter:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant and delicious!
5. Deglaze the Pan:
If you’re using white wine, carefully pour it in now! Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it has reduced slightly. This will add a beautiful flavor to your sauce.
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Next, stir in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens up nicely.
7. Add the Cheese:
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until your sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste it and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your liking.
8. Combine Everything:
Now, gently toss the cooked pasta and seafood back into the skillet, ensuring everything is evenly coated in that gorgeous Alfredo sauce.
9. Add Fresh Parsley:
Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh pop of flavor. Once combined, remove the dish from the heat.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Seafood Alfredo Pasta immediately, garnishing with extra parsley and freshly grated Parmesan if desired. Dig in and enjoy the creamy goodness!
This dish is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a joy to prepare. Enjoy cooking!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta are great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What If I Don’t Have White Wine?
No problem! You can skip the wine entirely or substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth for added flavor. Just make sure to slightly reduce the amount of cream you use if you go this route, to maintain the right consistency.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, you can skip the seafood and add vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the garlic and follow the same steps for the sauce.