Renee's Kitchen Quest

Bring on the heat!
Light Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Light Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

5/5 - (3 votes)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Light Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

 

Hello, my fellow food adventurers!

Today’s Kitchen Quest is a tasty triumph: Light Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo! This is one of my clever spins on a beloved classic—because you know I’m always on a mission to make the dishes I adore a little healthier without sacrificing flavor. Picture this: succulent garlic shrimp tangled in fettuccine, all draped in a creamy, dreamy Parmesan sauce that’s lighter on the guilt, then crowned with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s a quick, yummy escape to comfort food heaven, served alongside a crisp Caesar salad and warm breadsticks. Ready to wield your skillet and claim this victory?

Why You’ll Love It:

Light & Healthy: This Alfredo’s a hero in disguise—you’ll love how it delivers that rich, creamy goodness without weighing you down. The half-and-half and light cream cheese work their magic, keeping it indulgent yet kind to your quest for balance. Plus, those plump shrimp bring protein power to the table!
Quick & Easy: No epic saga here—this dish comes together in under 30 minutes! It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a fast win. From skillet to plate, it’s a breeze to forge, leaving you more time to savor the spoils with your guild.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Your Quest Inventory):

  • 9 oz. fettuccine, uncooked (the pasta scrolls)
  • 1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (ocean’s bounty)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (verdant heralds)
  • 2 tsp minced garlic (the bold essence)
  • 2 tsp olive oil (the forge’s flame)
  • ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (golden treasure)
  • ⅓ cup half-and-half (a creamy veil)
  • 1.5 oz. light cream cheese (the light alchemist)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper (a shadow whisper)
  • 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped (the final flourish)

How to Forge Your Feast (The Quest Steps):

  1. Cook the Scrolls: Boil the fettuccine according to package runes. Drain over a bowl, reserving ¼ cup of the starchy cooking liquid—your secret elixir!
  2. Gather the Allies: In a small bowl, unite the shrimp, green onions, and garlic—ready your troops!
  3. Ignite the Forge: Heat a large skillet over medium flame, add 2 tsp olive oil, and toss in the shrimp mixture. Sauté for 4 minutes until the shrimp blush pink—then whisk them to safety and keep warm.
  4. Brew the Potion: Pour the reserved cooking liquid, ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, ⅓ cup half-and-half, 1.5 oz. light cream cheese, and ¼ tsp black pepper into the skillet. Stir over medium heat for 2 minutes until the cheeses melt into a velvety sauce—alchemy at its finest!
  5. Unite the Forces: Toss the cooked fettuccine, cheese sauce, and shrimp mixture together—let them meld into a glorious alliance.
  6. Crown Your Victory: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp. fresh parsley—a green banner of triumph!
  7. Feast and Revel: Serve with Caesar salad and breadsticks—your light, luscious reward awaits!

Light Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Succulent garlic shrimp tangled in fettuccine, all draped in a creamy, dreamy Parmesan sauce that’s lighter on the guilt, then crowned with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 5

Ingredients
  

  • 9 oz fettuccine (uncooked)
  • 1 lb medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 2 green onions (sliced)
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 1/3 cup half-and-half
  • 1.5 oz light cream cheese
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • Drain pasta in a colander over and bowl, reserving 1/4 cup of cooking liquid.
  • Combine shrimp, onions, and garlic in a small bowl.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add olive oil and shrimp mixture, and saute for 4 minutes.
  • Remove from pan and keep warm.
  • Add reserved cooking liquid, Parmigiano-Reggiano, half-and-half, cream cheese, and pepper to the pan.
  • Cook for 2 minutes or until cheeses melt.
  • Combine pasta, cheese mixture, and shrimp mixture.
  • Sprinkle with parsley
  • Serve and enjoy.
Keyword Healthy

Tips, Tricks & Tasty Variations

This Light Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a swift and savory win, but every adventurer needs a few clever tactics and alternate paths to master the quest. Here’s how to wield your skills and remix this dish like a true Kitchen Quest champion!

Cooking Tricks:

  • Sauce Sorcery: Reserve a bit more pasta water (up to ½ cup) and add it slowly if the sauce thickens too much—it’s your secret potion for perfect creaminess!
  • Shrimp Shine: Pat the shrimp dry before sautéing—less moisture means a golden sear instead of a steamy simmer. More flavor, less splash!
  • Flavor Forge: Toast the garlic with the shrimp for just 30 seconds extra before adding the onions—it unlocks a deeper, bolder essence.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Cook the pasta and shrimp ahead, then stash them in the fridge. Reheat with the sauce when ready—dinner in 5 minutes flat!

Tasty Variations:

  • Spicy Skirmish: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic—ignite a fiery edge for those who crave a little heat!
  • Veggie Vault: Add a handful of spinach or diced zucchini when sautéing the shrimp—extra loot for your plate and a pop of green.
  • Protein Swap: Trade the shrimp for grilled chicken or scallops—new heroes to wield that creamy Parmesan crown.
  • Herb Quest: Swap the parsley for fresh basil or dill—each brings a new banner of flavor to wave over your pasta realm.
  • Cheesy Twist: Mix in a spoonful of goat cheese or sub half the Parmigiano-Reggiano with Pecorino Romano—tangy treasure awaits!
These tricks and twists are your enchanted toolkit—forge this Alfredo to suit your taste and time. Which path will you conquer, my fearless flavor knights? Share your victories with me!

 

If you missed it, swing back to my last post:  Pad Thai Chicken Meatballs a hearty quest to fuel your next adventure!