Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine?
This dish is a creamy, indulgent meal featuring sautéed shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes served over fettuccine with a roasted garlic Alfredo sauce.
Is this similar to the Olive Garden recipe?
Yes, it is a copycat recipe designed to capture the essence of Olive Garden's popular shrimp pasta dish.
What kind of shrimp should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of shrimp that has been cleaned and deveined.
How long do I cook the shrimp?
Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes in the skillet, or until they turn pink and opaque.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil heated over medium heat until shimmering.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 5 cloves of chopped garlic plus additional chunks of roasted garlic for added depth of flavor.
What provides the heat in this recipe?
A hint of heat is provided by 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
What is the base of the sauce?
The recipe uses a silky Alfredo sauce to coat the shrimp and pasta.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
Fettuccine is the traditional pasta choice for this Mediterranean-style dish.
How do I garnish this dish?
Sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh herbs if available.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but ensure the shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry before adding them to the hot oil.
When should I add the roasted garlic?
Incorporate chunks of roasted garlic when you add the Alfredo sauce to the shrimp mixture.
How should the fresh garlic be prepared?
The 5 cloves of fresh garlic should be chopped before being sautéed in the olive oil.
How do I know the shrimp is finished cooking?
Shrimp is done when it loses its translucency and becomes pink and opaque.
Can I make this recipe quickly?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy dinner and the shrimp only takes a few minutes to cook.
How much Alfredo sauce should I use?
Use enough to lightly coat the shrimp and pasta mixture, or according to your personal preference.
Should the pasta be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the fettuccine should be cooked according to package directions before being combined with the shrimp and sauce.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
Can I use bottled Alfredo sauce?
Yes, you can use your favorite store-bought Alfredo sauce for convenience.
Is this dish suitable for guests?
Absolutely, it is described as an impressive meal guaranteed to wow guests at your table.
How do I prepare the roasted garlic?
The roasted garlic should be added to the dish in chunks to provide a concentrated burst of flavor.
What cheese is best for this pasta?
Grated parmesan cheese is the recommended topping for this recipe.
Can I add extra red pepper flakes?
Yes, if you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory and aromatic dish with creamy textures and a subtle kick of spice.
Does the recipe include vegetables?
The base recipe focuses on shrimp and garlic, but you could easily add spinach or tomatoes if desired.
Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
While this is a seafood recipe, the roasted garlic Alfredo base also pairs very well with sliced grilled chicken.
What pan should I use?
A large skillet is best to ensure there is enough room to sauté the shrimp and toss the pasta.
Is the garlic sautéed for a long time?
No, the garlic and red pepper flakes should only be sautéed for about 1 minute until fragrant to avoid burning.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While fettuccine is traditional, you can substitute with linguine or spaghetti if preferred.
How do I serve this meal?
Serve the garlic shrimp and sauce over a bed of the cooked fettuccine and top with parmesan.