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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 an elegant yet comforting dish that combines tender shrimp and perfectly cooked fettuccine with a velvety, smoky sauce made from roasted red peppers, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is bold in flavor, impressively creamy, and easily customizable to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, making it a perfect choice for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Pasta

  • Peeled and deveined shrimp, about 1 pound
  • Fettuccine pasta, 12 ounces

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

  • 2 large roasted red bell peppers (homemade or jarred)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Garnish

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water, and set the pasta aside to keep warm.
  2. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Meanwhile, blend or pulse the roasted red peppers in a food processor until smooth. Add the pureed peppers to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently in the sauce to warm them through. Add the drained fettuccine and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly in the creamy roasted red pepper sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley on top along with an extra grating of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcook shrimp to prevent rubberiness; remove once pink and opaque.
  • Roast fresh red bell peppers yourself for a deeper smoky flavor instead of using jarred.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese brighten and add depth to the creamy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp fettuccine, roasted red pepper sauce, creamy pasta, seafood pasta, quick dinner, Italian recipe, easy weeknight meal