Seafood Alfredo from Olive Garden features tender shrimp and scallops in a creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with fettuccine pasta, garnished with fresh parsley for a rich and comforting Italian seafood delight.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Grater (for Parmesan)
- Tongs
- Serving platter or bowls
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb (225g) sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Using fresh, high-quality seafood like large shrimp and sea scallops ensures a tender texture and authentic flavor in your Seafood Alfredo. Make sure to grate the Parmesan cheese freshly for a richer and creamier sauce, as pre-grated cheese can affect the sauce's consistency. Properly cooking the fettuccine to al dente helps maintain the perfect balance between pasta and sauce. You can adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences. Your homemade Seafood Alfredo from Olive Garden copycat menu will deliver the same comforting and indulgent Italian seafood delight that the original dish is known for.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Pat shrimp and scallops dry with paper towels.
- Season shrimp and scallops lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and scallops to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Cook shrimp and scallops for 1-2 minutes per side until just opaque; remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir continuously until cheese melts and sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat in the Alfredo sauce.
- Return shrimp and scallops to the skillet, tossing gently to combine and heat through.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.
Substitution
Seafood Alfredo from Olive Garden copycat menu can be adapted by substituting shrimp and scallops with other seafood like crab meat or lobster if unavailable. You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half mixed with a bit of cream cheese to reduce richness while maintaining creaminess. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential for authentic flavor, but pre-grated Parmesan can be used in a pinch, though it may affect texture. When cooking pasta, reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency to your preference. Garnishing with lemon wedges adds a bright contrast that enhances the creamy seafood flavors in your dish.
Tips
Ensure your shrimp and scallops are thoroughly patted dry before cooking; excess moisture can cause steam and prevent properly searing the seafood. When making the Alfredo sauce, keep the heat at medium or lower to avoid curdling the cream or clumping the Parmesan cheese. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce immediately to let it absorb the flavors and keep the texture creamy. Your Seafood Alfredo will taste best served fresh, as reheating can cause the sauce to separate.
Nutritions
Seafood Alfredo combines protein-rich shrimp and scallops with energy-boosting fettuccine, offering a balanced meal with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin B12. The creamy Alfredo sauce contains heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, providing a good source of calcium and healthy fats, though it is also relatively high in calories and saturated fat. Olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while fresh parsley contributes antioxidants and vitamin K. Your dish delivers a flavorful combination of macronutrients and micronutrients, making it both satisfying and nourishing.
Storage
Store leftover Seafood Alfredo in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Consume within 3 days for optimal flavor and safety, reheating gently on the stovetop or microwaving until heated through. Your creamy Alfredo sauce may thicken after refrigeration; stir in a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore its smooth consistency.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the shrimp and scallops with crab meat or lobster for a different seafood variation. For a lighter sauce, replace half of the heavy cream with whole milk or use a cauliflower-based Alfredo sauce. Experiment with adding sun-dried tomatoes or sauteed mushrooms to enhance the sauce's flavor and texture. To infuse more herbal aroma, incorporate fresh basil or thyme instead of parsley.
Allergies
Seafood Alfredo from Olive Garden contains shellfish such as shrimp and scallops, which are common allergens that may trigger severe reactions in individuals with seafood allergies. The creamy Parmesan sauce also includes dairy, another potential allergen for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. You should exercise caution and check ingredient labels if you have any food sensitivities before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
The Seafood Alfredo from Olive Garden combines rich cream sauce with tender shrimp, scallops, and fettuccine pasta, creating a luxurious flavor that seafood lovers crave. Its balance of creamy texture and savory seafood makes it a standout dish that appeals to a wide audience seeking comfort food with a gourmet twist. Recreating this recipe at home allows you to enjoy the same delightful taste while customizing ingredients for freshness and dietary preferences. Your copycat version holds the promise of delivering restaurant-quality satisfaction without the need to dine out.