Shrimp Alfredo Bucatini: The Ultimate Creamy Pasta Recipe

Shrimp Alfredo Bucatini: Prepare to be transported to pasta paradise with this decadent and surprisingly easy-to-make dish! Imagine twirling thick, al dente bucatini pasta coated in a creamy, dreamy Alfredo sauce, studded with succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you craving more with every single bite.

While Alfredo sauce itself has Italian origins, its popularity exploded in America, evolving into the rich, creamy indulgence we know and love today. Adding shrimp elevates this classic to a truly special meal, perfect for a romantic dinner or a celebratory gathering. The beauty of Shrimp Alfredo Bucatini lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight indulgence.

People adore this dish for several reasons. The creamy Alfredo sauce is undeniably comforting, while the shrimp adds a touch of elegance and a burst of fresh, oceanic flavor. The bucatini, with its hollow center, perfectly captures the sauce, ensuring each strand is bursting with flavor. It’s a satisfying, flavorful, and relatively quick meal that’s guaranteed to impress. So, are you ready to create your own restaurant-quality Shrimp Alfredo Bucatini at home? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• For the Shrimp:
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the Alfredo Sauce:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• For the Pasta:
• 1 pound bucatini pasta
• 6 quarts water
• 2 tablespoons salt
• Garnish (optional):
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges

Preparing the Shrimp:

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Alfredo Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet you used to cook the shrimp (no need to clean it!), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3. Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent the cream from scorching.
5. Add the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Season the Sauce: Season the Alfredo sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so you may not need much additional salt.

Cooking the Bucatini Pasta:

1. Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should be generously salted – about 2 tablespoons of salt for 6 quarts of water. This seasons the pasta from the inside out.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the bucatini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and the pasta should be firm but not hard.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold and will help to create a creamy, emulsified sauce.
4. Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as this will wash away the starch that helps the sauce cling to it.

Assembling the Shrimp Alfredo Bucatini:

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained bucatini pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
2. Add Pasta Water (if needed): If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water will help to create a creamy, emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta.
3. Incorporate the Shrimp: Gently fold in the cooked shrimp into the pasta and sauce.
4. Heat Through: Heat the pasta, sauce, and shrimp through, stirring occasionally, for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the Shrimp Alfredo Bucatini immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Alfredo Bucatini:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Use fresh shrimp, high-quality Parmesan cheese, and fresh garlic for the best results.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can be rubbery and tough. Cook the shrimp just until they are pink and opaque.
• Use Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is essential for a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half, as the sauce will not be as thick or flavorful.
• Grate Your Own Parmesan Cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grate your own Parmesan cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is essential for creating a creamy, emulsified sauce. Don’t skip this step!
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so you may not need much additional salt.
• Serve Immediately: Alfredo sauce is best served immediately, as it can thicken as it cools.

Variations:

• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or peas to the Shrimp Alfredo Bucatini. Add the vegetables to the pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking, or sauté them in the skillet before making the Alfredo sauce.
• Use Different Seafood: You can substitute the shrimp with other seafood, such as scallops, crab, or lobster.
• Add Spice: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes to the shrimp or the Alfredo sauce.
• Use Different Pasta: While bucatini is a great choice for this dish, you can use other types of pasta, such as fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Make Ahead Instructions:

While Shrimp Alfredo Bucatini is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time.

• Shrimp: You can cook the shrimp ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp gently before adding it to the pasta and sauce.
• Alfredo Sauce: You can make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is smooth and creamy. You may need to add a little milk or cream to thin the sauce out.

Do not cook the pasta ahead of time, as it will become sticky and clump together.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover Shrimp Alfredo Bucatini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little milk or cream to thin the sauce out.

Note that the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating, but this is normal.

I hope you enjoy this delicious Shrimp Alfredo Bucatini recipe! It’s one of my favorites, and I’m sure it will become one of yours too.

Conclusion:

This Shrimp Alfredo Bucatini isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a creamy, dreamy, seafood-infused experience that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight staple. The richness of the Alfredo sauce, perfectly balanced with the succulent shrimp and the satisfying chew of the bucatini, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian food, seafood, or simply a comforting and delicious meal. What makes this recipe so special? It’s the simplicity combined with the incredible depth of flavor. You don’t need to be a professional chef to whip up this masterpiece. The ingredients are readily available, and the steps are straightforward, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices. Plus, the entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want a restaurant-quality meal. But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and adapt the recipe to your own tastes. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy shrimp seasoning. If you’re not a fan of bucatini, you can easily substitute it with fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. For a vegetarian option, skip the shrimp altogether and add some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus. You could even toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy sweetness. Serving suggestions? This Shrimp Alfredo Bucatini is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A glass of chilled white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would also complement the dish perfectly. For a more elegant presentation, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Cooking should be fun and creative, so let your imagination run wild! I encourage you to give this Shrimp Alfredo Bucatini a try this week. It’s the perfect dish for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or simply a cozy night in. And when you do, please share your photos and feedback with me! I’d love to see your creations and hear about any modifications you made. You can tag me on social media or leave a comment below. Let’s spread the love for this amazing pasta dish and inspire others to get cooking! I am sure that you will enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking!

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