Delta Dawn Shrimp Pasta
Delta Dawn Shrimp Pasta combines tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and fresh herbs in a rich, creamy sauce with a hint of lemon and spice. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it offers bold flavors and satisfying textures that appeal to seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. smoked sausage, sliced in rounds and quartered ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. sweet butter ⓘ
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 bunches green onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 pt. heavy cream
- 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 lb. fettuccini pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- Add garlic and sausage to a large saucepan and heat over a moderate flame.
- Saute until the garlic is tender.
- Drain any excess oil.
- Add the butter and let it melt.
- Stir in the parsley and green onions, and cook down for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add the shrimp, sprinkle with lemon juice, and blend well with the other ingredients.
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes or until the shrimp are fully cooked and bright pink.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic and sausage. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a reduced-fat cream alternative. For a spicy kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can also enhance the dish's freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Delta Dawn Shrimp Pasta garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation. It pairs excellently with a simple green salad or crusty garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Lobster In Chafing Dish for a seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Delta Dawn Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving directly, as it may overcook the shrimp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delta Dawn Shrimp Pasta contains roughly 328 calories, with 13g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (131% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1945mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp; just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and maintain their texture. If using frozen, add an extra minute to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through.
What type of sausage works best for this pasta?
Smoked sausage adds a great depth of flavor, but you can substitute it with andouille sausage for a spicier kick or even chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just ensure the sausage is pre-cooked since this recipe requires it to be heated through without additional cooking time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before adding the cooked pasta and shrimp. However, it's recommended to cook the pasta fresh to avoid it becoming mushy when stored.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).