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Shrimp Fettuccine with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Shrimp Fettuccine with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Shrimp Fettuccine with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a rich and flavorful pasta dish combining succulent shrimp, tender fettuccine, and a velvety sauce made from roasted red peppers and heavy cream. Ready in under 30 minutes, this colorful and inviting dish balances creamy texture with bright, smoky sweetness, perfect for any occasion from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fresh or dried fettuccine pasta

Seafood

  • 1 pound peeled and deveined fresh shrimp

Sauce

  • 1 cup jarred or homemade roasted red peppers
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Oils and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water for later use, and set aside.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add peeled and deveined shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add roasted red peppers and cook for another 2 minutes. Transfer the peppers and garlic to a blender or food processor.
  4. Blend the Sauce: Add heavy cream, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the blender with roasted peppers and garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste and return sauce to the skillet.
  5. Combine and Finish: Stir the sauce over low heat, then toss in the cooked fettuccine and shrimp. Add grated Parmesan and mix gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water. Warm through and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook shrimp: They cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long, watch carefully for color change.
  • Use good-quality roasted peppers: Freshly roasted peppers are best but jarred varieties work well if packed in good oil and spices.
  • Reserve pasta water: It helps create a silky sauce consistency while binding pasta and sauce perfectly.
  • Fresh garlic provides a better flavor than pre-minced or powdered garlic.
  • Balance acidity by adding lemon juice gradually to avoid overpowering the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp fettuccine, creamy roasted red pepper sauce, seafood pasta, quick pasta recipe, Italian pasta dish