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To make this tasty dish, you'll need these main ingredients: - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving These ingredients create a creamy and rich base for the dish. The shrimp adds a nice protein boost, while the mozzarella brings a delightful creaminess. You can boost the flavor with these optional ingredients: - Lemon zest for a zesty kick - Sun-dried tomatoes for a touch of sweetness - Spinach for extra nutrients and color - Peas for a pop of sweetness and texture Adding these extras can make your dish even more exciting. Try mixing and matching to find your favorite flavors. To prepare this dish, gather these tools: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Skillet for sautéing shrimp and making the sauce - Measuring cups and spoons for accurate portions - Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing - Colander for draining pasta Having the right tools makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable. This way, you can focus on creating your delicious meal without fuss. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps. Start by boiling water in a big pot. Make sure to add salt to the water. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the fettuccine. Cook it according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. The pasta should be firm but tender, known as al dente. After you cook it, drain the pasta in a colander. Remember to save about half a cup of the pasta water for later. This water helps to make the sauce creamy. In a large skillet, warm two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add three cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute until it smells great but does not brown. Next, toss in one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook the shrimp for around 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. After cooking, take the shrimp out of the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Using the same skillet, pour in one cup of heavy cream. Stir it well to mix with the garlic oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step is key to making the sauce creamy. Lower the heat to keep the sauce warm without boiling. Then, gradually add one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Whisk it in until the cheese melts fully. If the sauce gets too thick, add small amounts of reserved pasta water until it reaches the right consistency. Once the sauce is creamy, return the sautéed shrimp to the skillet. Next, add the drained fettuccine. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and shrimp are well coated in the sauce. Fold in half a cup of chopped fresh basil. Season to taste with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Transfer the creamy shrimp pasta onto serving plates. To make it look nice, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. Finish with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve this dish right away for the best flavor, and enjoy every bite of this creamy mozzarella shrimp pasta. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. To make a smooth cream sauce, start with low heat. High heat can curdle the cream. After adding the cream, stir gently. This keeps the sauce silky. Add the mozzarella gradually. If the sauce gets too thick, mix in a bit of pasta water. This helps you control the consistency. Season with salt and pepper, but taste as you go. If you have dietary restrictions, don’t worry! You can swap out the heavy cream for a plant-based milk. Almond or coconut milk works well. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt. You can also change the cheese. Try goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative. If shrimp isn’t your thing, substitute with chicken or tofu for protein. To save time, prep all your ingredients first. Chop the garlic and basil before you cook. Cook the pasta while you sauté the shrimp. This way, everything finishes at the same time. Keep your skillet on low heat while you mix the sauce. This helps you manage the cooking process without rushing. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta. {{image_4}} You can easily boost the nutrition in your creamy mozzarella shrimp pasta. Adding vegetables not only adds color but also flavor. Consider using spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the shrimp. For spinach, cook it until wilted. For cherry tomatoes, add them until they burst. Bell peppers should be soft but still crunchy. This will give you a dish full of vitamins and minerals. If you love heat, try making a spicy version. You can add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with one teaspoon instead of just a pinch. For an extra kick, toss in sliced jalapeños or diced serrano peppers when cooking the shrimp. This will give your pasta a fiery twist. Just remember to balance the spice with more cream or cheese. You can make a lighter version of this dish if you want to eat healthier. Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt. You can also use zucchini noodles instead of fettuccine. This keeps the dish low in carbs. Reducing the amount of mozzarella cheese can also help cut calories. These small changes can make a big difference while still keeping the meal tasty. For the complete cooking process, check out the Full Recipe. After enjoying your creamy mozzarella shrimp pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the pasta cool down first. This helps keep it fresh. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. When you reheat creamy pasta, do it gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir often to prevent sticking. If using a microwave, cover the dish to trap steam. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze your creamy shrimp pasta, first let it cool completely. Portion it into smaller containers for easier thawing. Seal tightly to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as described above. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta details. Yes, you can use other pasta types. I suggest penne or spaghetti. Both work well with the creamy sauce. Just cook them according to the package. Make sure they are al dente for the best texture. If you don’t have mozzarella, try using provolone or fontina cheese. They melt nicely and give a great flavor. You can also use a dairy-free cheese if you want a vegan option. Just ensure it melts well to keep that creamy texture. This dish takes about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and 15 minutes cooking. It’s quick and perfect for busy weeknights. Absolutely! You can easily double or triple the recipe. Just make sure you have a big enough pot and skillet. Adjust cooking times slightly for larger amounts, but keep the same flavors. You can make the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, mix and heat them together. The dish tastes best fresh, but it still holds up well. Check the full recipe for tips on storage. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients and steps for making creamy mozzarella shrimp pasta. You learned how to cook the fettuccine, sauté shrimp, and create a rich sauce. We also discussed helpful tips and variations to suit your taste. Remember, this dish is flexible; feel free to swap ingredients or adjust spice levels. With the right techniques, you can make a delicious meal your friends and family will love. Now, gather your ingredients and start cooking! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta recipe! Combining juicy shrimp, luscious mozzarella, and al dente fettuccine, it's perfect for quick yet impressive meals. Discover easy steps to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that will delight your family or guests. Ready to whip up a bowl of indulgent goodness? Click through to explore the full recipe and make this mouthwatering dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water seasoned with salt to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use, and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—not browned. Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

      Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet you used for the shrimp, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine it with the flavorful garlic-infused oil left in the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low to keep the sauce warm without boiling.

        Incorporate Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese into the warmed cream, whisking continuously until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, slowly add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.

          Combine Ingredients: Return the sautéed shrimp to the skillet, followed by the drained fettuccine. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated in the luscious mozzarella sauce. Fold in the chopped basil and season with the red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

            Serve: Transfer the creamy shrimp pasta to serving plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and enjoy every bite!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 25 min | 4 servings