Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 lb (8 oz) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your choice)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• 2-3 tablespoons reserved pasta water
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

3. Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan and cook for a few minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:

4. In a large pot, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:

5. In the same pan you used for the shrimp, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

6. Add the minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to brown it.

7. Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat.

8. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to your taste.

9. Add 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until it's smooth and creamy.

4. Combine and Serve:

10. Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Alfredo sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.

11. If the sauce is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

12. Finally, gently fold in the cooked shrimp.

13. Serve the Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta in individual plates, garnishing with more grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

14. Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Alfredo with its rich, velvety sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and al dente pasta. Bon appétit!

This creamy shrimp Alfredo pasta is a delightful and indulgent dish that's perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner.