Shrimp Alfredo Bread Bowls!

Shrimp Alfredo Bread Bowls

These Shrimp Alfredo Bread Bowls are the ultimate comfort food — a rich, creamy shrimp alfredo served inside a crispy, buttery bread bowl. It’s a fun and delicious way to serve pasta, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp Alfredo:

• 1 lb (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

• 8 oz (about 225g) fettuccine or linguine pasta (you can also use penne or another favorite)

For the Bread Bowls:

• 4 small round bread loaves (sourdough or boule work well)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread Bowls:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the tops off the bread loaves and hollow out the centers, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Save the tops to serve as lids, if desired.

   • Brush the inside and outside of the bread bowls with the melted butter, and sprinkle with a little garlic powder (if using).

   • Place the bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

   • While the bread bowls are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

   • Pour in the heavy cream and milk, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken.

   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

   • Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).

4. Cook the Pasta:

   • While the sauce is thickening, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water.

   • Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

5. Assemble the Shrimp Alfredo Bread Bowls:

   • Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the pasta and Alfredo sauce.

   • Spoon the creamy shrimp Alfredo mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowls, filling them generously.

   • Garnish with fresh parsley and top with the reserved bread tops if desired.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the bread bowls warm with extra Parmesan cheese or a side salad. Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy shrimp Alfredo and soft, crispy bread!

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly. Just be sure to thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight, or under cold running water if you’re short on time, before cooking.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You can make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove, adding a little milk or cream to bring it back to the right consistency. Then, just assemble the bread bowls when ready to serve.

3. What type of bread works best?

Sourdough, French bread, or any sturdy round loaf works best. These types hold up well to the creamy Alfredo sauce without becoming soggy too quickly.

4. Can I use gluten-free pasta or bread?

Absolutely! You can substitute gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free bread for the bowls to make this dish gluten-free.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or sprinkling some cayenne pepper over the shrimp before cooking them. You can also serve with a side of hot sauce for extra kick.

6. Can I add vegetables to the Alfredo?

Yes! You can add spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or any vegetable of your choice to the Alfredo sauce. Sauté the vegetables in the same pan as the shrimp for extra flavor, then add them to the sauce with the pasta.