By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on October 9, 2023 | Last Updated on October 9, 2023
Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of Carrabba’s Fettuccine Weesie, a dish that beautifully marries the richness of creamy pasta with the delicate flavor of seafood. Named after the sister of one of Carrabba’s founders, this tantalizing recipe has been a fan favorite for years and now, it’s your turn to bring this culinary masterpiece to life at home.
This pasta dish is a symphony of flavors, featuring large succulent shrimp sautéed with mushrooms and scallions in a lemony garlic sauce. The fettuccine is smothered in a rich, Parmesan cream sauce that is both comforting and indulgent. A hint of spice from crushed red pepper flakes adds an unexpected twist, making every bite a delight.
Whether you’re looking to impress your guests at a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Fettuccine Weesie recipe promises a journey of culinary bliss. So, let’s gather these ingredients and start cooking!
What is carrabba’s fettuccine weesie?
Carrabba’s Fettuccine Weesie is a popular dish served at the Italian-American restaurant chain, Carrabba’s. The dish is named after Grace Weesie Carrabba, sister of one of the restaurant’s founders, who helped develop and perfect the recipe.
This signature dish features fettuccine pasta tossed in a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce, topped with sautéed shrimp, mushrooms, and scallions in a lemon-garlic butter sauce. The combination of rich and savory flavors makes this dish a standout among other pasta dishes.
Why You’ll Love this carrabba’s fettuccine weesie?
There are many reasons why you’ll fall in love with Carrabba’s Fettuccine Weesie. Here are just a few:
- The perfect balance of flavors: The dish combines the creaminess of the Parmesan sauce, the tanginess of lemon and garlic, and the savory taste of seafood to create a well-rounded flavor profile that is both satisfying and delicious.
- Easy to make at home: With the right ingredients and a little bit of practice, this dish can be easily recreated at home. You don’t have to be a professional chef to impress your guests with this restaurant-quality meal.
- Versatile and customizable: This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit different taste preferences. You can add more or less garlic, spice it up with extra red pepper flakes, or even substitute the shrimp with chicken or other proteins.
- Crowd-pleaser: This dish is always a hit at dinner parties and gatherings. With its elegant presentation and delectable taste, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.
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The Ingredients
- White Mushrooms: These add a unique, earthy flavor to the dish. They also provide a nice contrast in texture to the pasta and shrimp.
- Onion Powder: This is used to add a depth of flavor without the texture or moisture of fresh onions. It provides a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
- Olive Oil: This is used to sauté the mushrooms and garlic, and it adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: These are essential for seasoning the dish. They enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and bring balance to the overall taste.
- Barilla Fettuccine Pasta: Fettuccine is a type of pasta that is very popular in Roman and Tuscan cuisine. Its flat, thick shape makes it ideal for creamy sauces like the one in this dish. Barilla is a recommended brand due to its quality and consistency.
- Lemon Zest: Lemon zest adds a fresh, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese. It also complements the seafood flavor of the shrimp.
- Large Shrimp: Shrimp is the main protein in this dish. It has a delicate, sweet flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce and pasta.
- Heavy Cream: This is the base for the sauce. It gives the dish its rich, creamy texture and mild, sweet flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Garlic adds a punch of flavor that enhances the taste of the other ingredients. It also pairs particularly well with shrimp.
- Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy water helps to thicken the sauce and make it cling to the pasta better.
- Scallions: These add a fresh, slightly sharp flavor that complements the rich, creamy sauce. They’re also used for garnish, adding a pop of color to the dish.
- Unsalted Butter: This adds richness and depth to the sauce. It also helps to sauté the mushrooms and garlic.
- Juice of Large Lemons: The acidity from the lemon juice balances out the richness of the cream and cheese. It also enhances the flavor of the shrimp.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These add a touch of heat to the dish, which can be adjusted according to personal preference.
- Garlic Powder: Similar to onion powder, garlic powder provides a robust flavor without the texture or moisture of its fresh counterpart.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami flavor to the dish. It also helps to thicken the sauce. 365 by Whole Foods Market is a recommended brand due to its quality and flavor.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook Fettuccine Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of water and cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Before draining, remember to reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This water will be used later to enhance the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for approximately 5 minutes until they begin to brown. Season them with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Incorporate the minced garlic into the skillet and continue cooking for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Cook Shrimp
Make space in the skillet by pushing the mushrooms and garlic to one side. Place the shrimp in a single layer on the empty side of the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked through.
Step 5: Prepare Creamy Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the reserved pasta water, heavy cream, lemon zest, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir these ingredients together to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and mushrooms. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and toss everything together to ensure the pasta is coated with the sauce.
Step 8: Add Lemon Juice
Squeeze the juice of two large lemons into the skillet and stir until it is well combined with the other ingredients.
Step 9: Serve and Garnish
Serve the dish immediately, garnishing it with chopped scallions and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Cook just until they turn pink and slightly curled.
- For a healthier option, use half and half instead of heavy cream.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Experiment with different types of mushrooms for different flavor profiles, such as cremini or shiitake.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free fettuccine pasta and double-check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.
Nutrition Information
How to store carrabba’s fettuccine weesie?
Store any leftover fettuccine website in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to prevent it from drying out. The dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months but may lose some texture and flavor upon reheating.
Variations
- Swap out the shrimp for chicken or scallops for a different protein option.
- Add in your favorite vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or linguine.
- For additional flavor, add ¼ cup of dry white wine to the saucepan when cooking the mushrooms and garlic.
- For a spicy kick, add a diced jalapeno pepper or extra crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To make it dairy-free, use non-dairy milk and cheese alternatives. However, the consistency and flavor may be slightly different.
Carrabba’s Fettuccine Weesie Recipe
Equipment
- bowl
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cup
Ingredients
- 24 oz Barilla Fettuccine Pasta
- 16 oz White Mushrooms
- 2 lbs Large Shrimp
- 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
- 4 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Salt And Pepper
- 2 Lemons zest
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 4 Garlic Cloves
- 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water
- 6 Scallions
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 2 Large Lemons juiced
- ½ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- PCook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Heat oil in a skillet, brown mushrooms, and add garlic.
- Make space, and cook shrimp with seasoning.
- Melt butter, simmer with pasta water, cream, and seasonings, and add Parmesan.
- Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and mushrooms. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Squeeze juice from two lemons into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Serve the dish immediately, garnished with chopped scallions and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Cook just until they turn pink and slightly curled.
- For a healthier option, use half and half instead of heavy cream.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Experiment with different types of mushrooms for different flavor profiles, such as cremini or shiitake.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free fettuccine pasta and double-check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.
FAQs
Can I substitute another type of pasta in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other types of pasta like linguine or spaghetti, but fettuccine is traditionally used because its wide, flat shape holds up well against the rich, creamy sauce.
What can I use as a substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version of the dish?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. Another option is to use a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk.
Can I add other seafood to this dish?
Absolutely! While shrimp is traditional, you could also add scallops, lobster, or crab for a seafood medley. Plus, it makes it more versatile!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can simply omit the shrimp or replace it with a vegetarian protein like tofu or tempeh. Remember to check that your Parmesan cheese is vegetarian as well, as some brands use animal rennet in their production process.
Wrapping Up
Carrabba’s Fettuccine Weesie is a delicious and indulgent pasta dish that is sure to impress. With its creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and flavorful mushrooms, it’s easy to see why this dish is a favorite among Carrabba’s customers. By following these simple instructions and tips, you can recreate this restaurant classic in the comfort of your own home for a fraction of the cost.
So gather your ingredients and get cooking – you’ll love every bite of this Carrabba’s Fettuccine Weesie. Give it a try and see for yourself just how delicious it can be. Your taste buds will thank you! Happy cooking!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
