Shrimp Tetrazzini

Shrimp Tetrazzini

Shrimp Tetrazzini is a classic Italian-American dish that combines the flavors of succulent shrimp with a creamy, cheesy pasta sauce, all baked to perfection.

Originating from the early 20th century, this dish is named after the famous opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini, who was known for her lavish lifestyle and love of rich foods.

Tetrazzini has become a beloved comfort food, often made with chicken or turkey, but shrimp brings a delightful seafood twist that elevates this dish to new heights.

With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and crispy topping, Shrimp Tetrazzini is perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or spaghetti
• Salt for boiling water

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or seafood broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Shrimp Tetrazzini:

Cook the Pasta:

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Shrimp:

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and any moisture has evaporated.

Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken or seafood broth, followed by the heavy cream. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the cooked shrimp and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp sauce, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated.

Assemble the Tetrazzini:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the shrimp and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spreading it evenly.

In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, shredded mozzarella cheese, melted butter, and the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta and shrimp.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Serve:

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Tetrazzini hot, perhaps with a side salad or garlic bread.

Chef’s Note: Shrimp Tetrazzini is versatile and can be customized to your taste. Feel free to add vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute low-fat cheese.

When choosing shrimp, opt for large or jumbo shrimp for a more substantial bite. You can also use frozen shrimp; just make sure to thaw them before cooking.

If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can assemble everything and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 220mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Vitamin A: 15% of Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 6% of DV
• Calcium: 20% of DV
• Iron: 10% of DV

Shrimp Tetrazzini not only satisfies your cravings for a hearty pasta dish but also provides a good amount of protein from the shrimp and cheese. The creaminess of the sauce and the crunch of the topping create a delightful contrast that makes this dish memorable.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, Shrimp Tetrazzini is sure to impress with its rich flavors and comforting texture. Enjoy this delicious dish and relish the compliments that come your way!

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