This creamy Seafood Alfredo Pasta is a treat! With tender pasta smothered in a rich and cheesy sauce, it’s topped with juicy shrimp and flaky fish. What’s not to love?
Making this dish feels almost like a dinner date at home! I enjoy adding a sprinkle of parsley on top for a fresh pop. It’s easy enough that I can whip it up any night of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: This flat pasta works beautifully with Alfredo sauce. If you’re looking for a change, try linguine or even whole grain pasta for a healthier option.
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well. If seafood isn’t your thing, substitute with cooked chicken or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
White Fish: Cod and tilapia are great choices, but you can use any firm white fish. If needed, canned fish like tuna can also work, though the texture will be different.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich flavor, but you can swap it out for half-and-half or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative for a lighter or vegan version.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano can be a good substitute, or nutritional yeast can work for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Ensure My Alfredo Sauce is Creamy and Smooth?
The key to a perfect Alfredo sauce is in the timing and temperature. When you add the cream, make sure to simmer gently—too high a heat can make it grainy.
- After melting the butter, lower the heat before adding the cream.
- Continuously stir the sauce while adding in the Parmesan cheese. This helps it blend smoothly.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding some pasta water if it’s too thick.
Following these tips will give you a luxurious, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta!
Seafood Alfredo Pasta: A Creamy Delight
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Seafood Alfredo Pasta recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and then 20 minutes cooking. It’s quick, easy, and delivers a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Cook the Seafood:
Season the shrimp and fish pieces with salt and pepper. Carefully add them to the skillet with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and the fish is opaque and flaky. Once cooked, remove the seafood from the skillet and set aside.
4. Create the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta and seafood back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss all the ingredients gently to ensure everything is coated evenly with the sauce.
6. Finish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish and toss lightly once more. Serve the Seafood Alfredo Pasta hot on plates, garnished with additional parsley if you like!
Enjoy your delicious, creamy Seafood Alfredo Pasta with tender fettuccine, succulent shrimp, flaky fish, and a savory cheese sauce. It’s a lovely dish to share with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Seafood for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix and match seafood according to your preference. Feel free to replace the shrimp and fish with scallops, crab meat, or even mixed seafood blends for variety.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan version.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the Alfredo sauce and seafood ahead of time. Store them separately and then quickly reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
