Homemade Alfredo Sauce with Shrimp
Quick Weeknight Pasta Dishes
After a long day, there’s nothing more satisfying than a quick, comforting bowl of pasta. Whether you’re craving something creamy, hearty, or light and fresh, pasta is a go-to weeknight staple that can be customized to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Shrimp Alfredo is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. But what takes it to the next level? A homemade Alfredo sauce that’s silky, cheesy, and far better than anything store-bought. Paired with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make. Whether you're cooking for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this Shrimp Alfredo is guaranteed to be a hit!
This is the kind of dish most people would not turn down unless they were allergic or on a strict diet. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, the creamy, saucy, rich, flavorful sauce that coats the pasta and sits until the perfectly pan-seared, juicy shrimp is all you need, preferably with a giant helping of fresh vegetables on the side to balance your nutrition wheel out!
Making Alfredo Sauce From Scratch
At its core, Alfredo sauce is a simple yet indulgent blend of butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The key to achieving that restaurant-quality richness is in the technique—slowly melting the cheese into the warm cream and butter to create a smooth, luscious sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta. A pinch of garlic, a dash of nutmeg, and freshly cracked black pepper elevate the flavors without overpowering the delicate balance.
One of the best things about Alfredo sauce is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with fettuccine, of course, but also works wonders with shrimp, chicken, or even roasted vegetables. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this classic sauce is always a winner.
Want to take your Alfredo to the next level? Try experimenting with different cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite or adding a splash of white wine for extra depth. However you choose to customize it, homemade Alfredo sauce is a must-have recipe in any home cook’s repertoire.
Homemade Alfredo Sauce with Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1- 1 1/2 pounds jumbo shrimp, deveined with tail on
- 1 1/2 + 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (for the shrimp and flour)
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon + 1 tablespoon garlic powder (for the shrimp and flour)
- 2 teaspoons black pepper (one each for the shrimp and flour)
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon onion powder (for the shrimp and flour)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 container or packet fettuccine pasta (fresh is preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Royco Usavi Mix or all-purpose seasoning
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream (you can also use milk or half and half)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcester sauce
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne power
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Chili flakes, cheese and parsley to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and toss them in olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside 1-2 cups of the pasta water for later.
- Prepare the shrimp by patting them dry. Peel and devein the tail-on shrimp, leaving the tails on for flavor and to prevent shrinking. Season the shrimp on both sides. You can keep the shells to make seafood broth, so consider sealing and freezing them for later.
- Season the flour with Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Coat each shrimp in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess to prevent clumping when pan-searing.
- Heat oil in a non-stick pan or skillet, enough to cover at least half the surface of the shrimp. Cook the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan or overheat it. Cook over medium to medium-high heat until the shrimp are golden brown and the coating is crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a separate pot, melt the butter and add the fresh garlic. Stir in the spices, then add the flour. Continue to mix, then gradually add the cream, remaining herbs, and Worcestershire sauce.
- As the sauce thickens, gradually add the pasta and Parmesan cheese to reach your desired ratio and sauciness. Season to taste, and add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to help bring the sauce together. Bring to a simmer and stir until the desired consistency is reached, but do not boil. This should take no longer than 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve the pasta with the shrimp. Garnish as desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
1342Fat (grams)
55.6 gCarbs (grams)
144.7 gFiber (grams)
12.1 gSugar (grams)
15.8 gProtein (grams)
76.3 gI am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on dontmissmyplate.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Red Wine Cream Sauce with Rigatoni Pasta and Shiitake Mushrooms
Red wine is my favourite alcoholic beverage, hands down. How ideal that some studies show a glass a day is good for the heart! You can use cooking wine to mimic the taste as an alternative, but I would recommend going for high quality in both cases. It doesn't have to be vintage from the 18th century at $100 a bottle, but something with body and good flavour! I used a merlot from Bogle.
The great thing about pasta is that we can infuse it with many non-traditional ingredients, from greens to starchy fibres to herbs to, well, wine! I used some red wine rigatoni from the Pasta Palette. You should find something similar in a speciality store near you. If not, regular rigatoni will do!
As for the mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms are the way to go! Not only do they add a striking visual component, but the natural umami makes them perfectly balanced and an ideal meat substitute (although braised beef or short rib would compliment this dish just fine).
Pumpkin Alfredo and Roasted Mushrooms with Sage Butter
Who doesn’t want a bowl of flavorful pasta swimming in a homemade sauce?
Depending on the season and the star ingredient, you can get quite experimental to make a rich alfredo to coat your pasta. The only thing you need to add is seasoning and parmesan cheese and adjust to your liking! This recipe uses pureed pumpkin, which lends itself well to the sauce, but you could also use sweet potato, squash, etc.
To enhance the flavour, lightly fry the sage leaves to extract the earthy, peppery taste in butter before combining with the cream, pumpkin and parmesan.
Ingredients
14-ounces pumpkin puree
3/4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 stick butter
9-ounces tagliatelle pasta
Bunch of fresh sage leaves
Sundried tomatoes (optional)
4-ounces shiitake mushrooms
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon onion powder
Instructions
Place the mushrooms on a baking tray with parchment paper after coating and seasoning with fresh garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and onion powder. Bake at 400F for 12-15 minutes until crispy; observe to ensure they don't burn, remove from heat.
Prepare the pasta as directed by the package instructions, drain and set aside.
Add the butter to a large nonstick and melt, then add several sage leaves.
Cook on medium heat until leaves are lightly fried, and the butter has turned a goldish colour, but don't burn, or else it will have a bitter taste!
Remove the leaves, add the cream and pumpkin, and reduce heat to simmer for about 1-2 minutes, mixing the sauce is combined. Add the parmesan and seasoning and stir until smooth, adjusting as needed, adding a bit more cream if desired.
Pour the alfredo sauce in with the drained pasta, followed by the roasted mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and crispy sage leaves as garnish. Dust with extra parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Serves 2.
Classic Minestrone Soup with Sweet Potato
Hearty soup (especially broth-based) with flavour. Is that so much to ask? Sometimes it is! I have found many broth-based soups fall flat and don't have much flavour, making starch-based soups like creamy butternut or cream of mushroom, for example, a go-to for people. However, the soup shouldn't always have to rely on the addition of heavy or coconut cream to be delicious.
That's why I've come to appreciate this soup - minestrone - a traditional Italian soup that is easy to make and will taste quite impressive when you serve your friends and family. Making an Italian-themed dinner? I highly recommend this to start! Need something for lunch that will fill you up? Want a heart-warming something in the middle of winter or a rainy day? This soup checks all those boxes.
You can customize it in several ways, but below I've outlined a mostly traditional version that has worked for me. I reiterate the importance of seasoning to taste during the cooking process. I'll also mention that it will help if you use freshly made or good quality broth. With a soup like this, that can make or break your meal. You'll be happy with your finished product if you consider these things. Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 cup cavatappi pasta (or any small-sized pasta)
1/2 - 1 cup white beans soaked overnight, rinsed and drained, or precooked/canned (I used white kidney beans, you can also use cannellini)
1/4 cup finely chopped pancetta or shiitake mushrooms
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup equal parts carrots and celery diced
1 cup yellow onion, diced
2 1/2 quarts vegetable broth (homemade or good quality)
1 large zucchini, diced
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
3 large garlic cloves, chopped (or 2 teaspoons minced)
1/2 bunch kale, chopped into bite-size pieces
1 (!5-ounce) can whole tomatoes, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 large thyme sprig
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dried thyme (optional)
1 teaspoon coriander (optional)
1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
Pesto
Grated or shaved parmesan cheese
Instructions
Boil your pasta according to the packaging instructions; set it aside (you can also wait to do this while the soup is cooking).
If you have dried beans, cook those until softened in a rolling boil, about 35 minutes or longer if necessary - don't cook to the point that the beans split.
Sauté the pancetta or mushrooms in a large, heavy-bottomed bottom for about two minutes.
Add the carrots, celery and onions, cook for about 4-5 minutes, sweating them out. (If you use the other dried spices, add them in at this point).
Add the garlic, followed by the tomatoes. Add the fresh thyme and bay leaf (this is also known as 'bouquet garni' in French), and finally, your broth. Allow your soup to simmer for about 15 minutes over medium heat.
Add the potatoes, increase the temperature to medium-high; get the soup to a soft rolling boil or fast simmer. Cook for another 15 and make sure the potato begins to soften and fool through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Reduce the heat slightly again and mix in the kale, zucchini and most of the beans; simmer for about 6-8 minutes until the kale has wilted down, and the zucchini is somewhat cooked. Season to taste.
Mix in the cooked pasta and add the parmesan cheese and pesto in the serving bowls (not the pot), then stir and season to taste.
Serve hot and store in the fridge for 3-5 days before freezing.
Note: Don't add the pasta, parmesan, and pesto to the pot I almost made that error- only do that when serving. This prevents the pasta from getting soggy and ensures your pesto and cheese taste their best.
Baked Feta Pasta "Tik Tok Viral"
#FetaPasta or #BakedFetaPasta. Some of you may have seen it already, the Tik Tok trend that went viral for its simplicity and deliciousness (at least from a visual standpoint. Last time I saw something like this was Dalogna coffee - which to be honest, I found overwhelming and well, gross.
I'm not one to jump on bandwagons, but this certainly looks like it is worth trying. Why?
I'm a huge fan of feta cheese, I love all the bold Italian flavours that one can incorporate into this recipe - I'm talking, basil, tomato, garlic, olive oil, and of course pasta. The pesto was to add another layer of flavour, and the chilli flakes some heat.
Also, it's easy. For a lot of people with busy schedules, this is all you want from a recipe.
Make this if you are looking for a filling dish or something vegetarian that still packs a flavour punch. I will note that I have seen comments and articles mentioning that tomatoes aren't currently in season, so this will probably taste better between May and October. Still worth trying in the means to see what the hype is about!
Ingredients
1 block feta cheese
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
4-5 fresh garlic cloves, peeled
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups cooked pasta
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
In a baking pan, toss the tomatoes half the salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and half the dried basil.
Place the feta in the centre, and the garlic cloves around the pan. Drizzle the cheese with more olive oil and remaining seasoning, and sprinkle with chilli flakes.
Bake at 400F for 35 minutes.
(Cook your pasta in the meantime if you haven't already).
Remove from heat. Crush the baked feta and garlic cloves, then stir in the fresh basil and pasta.
Serve immediately!
Cheesy Butternut Gnocchi Bake with Tuscan Kale
Pasta-lovers, can you resist a bowl of gnocchi? I can't. Now imagine that baked into cheesy goodness with some fresh Tuscan kale?
The cold months are prime time for casseroles, which I will continue to create dishes around. Try out my coconut artichoke and spinach bake for example - a riff off the classic dip you find in restaurants.
For this recipe, using butternut, I took one of my favourite kinds of pasta and paired it with one of the most familiar vegetables to me - kale! This loaded, creamy bake is perfect for dinner, a potluck, or simply to have on hand when you need a recipe like this.
Some people find it intimidating to make pasta at home, but gnocchi is relatively easy - it’s just a vegetable starch like a potato or a gourd such as butternut boiled or roasted, combined with flour, egg, and sometimes seasoning and cheese to make a soft dough. This dough is then cut, shaped, and boiled, and finally tossed in butter. Pretty simple right?
The rolling and cutting of the dough into pieces are what can take a bit of time, but you can always reserve some for another day!
Think of this as a mac and cheese version of gnocchi. Give it a try! It's quite filling so you won't need anything else to get full.
Ingredients
Gnocchi:
1 lb. butternut
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Pinch of cloves
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Fresh sage
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Tuscan kale cheese bake:
1 bunch Tuscan kale
1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
1/2 cup sharp white cheddar, grated
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 spring onions. chopped
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
Instructions
Prepare the gnocchi. Boil the chopped butternut until tender, for about 25-30 minutes.
Drain and transfer to a bowl. Combine with seasoning, parmesan cheese, egg, and flour.
Knead into a soft dough. Add extra flour if it is too sticky (but not too much otherwise your mixture will dry out).
On a lightly floured surface, transfer the dough and divide into 4-8 parts to make things more manageable.
Shape the dough into long rolls and cut into little 1/2 inch pieces, set aside until you have the desired amount. You can refrigerate or freeze the remaining dough, wrapped tightly in some cling wrap for later use.
Once all the gnocchi dough is prepped, rollover a fork to create a wedge in each piece. At this point, you can roll them up a little tighter if you prefer. Remember to flour the surface to prevent the dough from getting sticky again!
Boil a large pot of water and add the gnocchi in batches. Once they float to the top, they are done. Place the pasta in a colander.
In a large nonstick saucepan, add the butter, sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Saute for 1-2 minutes until the sage leaves begin to wilt, and the butter is fragrant. Add the gnocchi and toss for about 4-5 minutes, set aside.
In a large pot, prepare your kale. Chop the bunch and add to salted boiling water for about 5 minutes until wilted. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan or pot add the butter and saute the onion for about 2-3 minutes. Add the flour and mix into a thick consistency. Add the cream and the milk and mix, whisking if necessary to remove lumps. Add the shredded parmesan and white cheddar cheese and stir until both melts.
Season with salt, pepper, chilli flakes, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust accordingly.
Mix the kale and gnocchi, then transfer to the cheesy roux. (You can add a bit of roux to the casserole dish before this step as you would with marinara sauce when making lasagna).
Pour the gnocchi mix into the baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese and parsley, and bake at 400F for 25 minutes.
Remove from heat and served warm!
Spooky Lentil Spaghetti Bolognese
Woo-Hoo! It’s that time of the year again, and one of the few times I get to play with my food without feeling any guilt. Halloween is also an opportunity for parents to have some fun in the kitchen with the young ones who like to get involved in the cooking process.
Are you looking for some ideas for a spooky dish? Try my plant-based Bolognese!
If you prefer ground beef or turkey, you can easily make the swap. In this case, I used red lentils. They are one of my favourite sources of protein. These legumes are filing and absorb all the flavours you use. I also wanted the lentils to match my theme due to the colour, but you can use green or brown lentils as well! One tip with red lentils is to not overcook them! They will disintegrate quickly.
The olives function as eyes - or eggs, whatever you think - but they also add a nice flavour punch as well. Olives are not, however, a part of the traditional bolognese recipe.
Ingredients
1/2 box spinach spaghetti noodles
1 cup red lentils, dry
3 cups broth (beef or vegetable)
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons black pepper
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon dried parsley
Fresh parsley
14/ cup grated parmesan cheese
Olives
Truffle oil (optional)
1 teaspoon fenugreek powder
1 tablespoon Royco Usavi (optional, spice blend)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon coriander
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1/3 cup red wine or cooking wine
1/8 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup shallots, diced
1/4 cup carrot and leek mix, diced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/2 cups tomato ragu
Instructions
Get your lentils cooking. Wash and set aside in a strainer.
In a large nonstick pan with the butter and olive oil, add the garlic and spices. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the shallots and lentils and sauté for 2 minutes. Follow with the carrots and leeks, cook for another 3 minutes.
Add the tomato paste, soy sauce, wine, and ragu. Bring to a boil for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Reduce heat, add the broth and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If necessary, add a little more (equal parts) ragu and water until the lentils are soft but still have a bite. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
While the lentils are cooking, prepare your noodles. Prepare as the package directs, cool with cold water and drain.
Plate your little monstrosities! 🍝🎃🧟♀️
Spoon the spaghetti followed by the saucy lentils, then place a few olives on top of the Bolognese. Remember they have a powerful taste, so not too many!
Garnish with fresh parsley, truffle oil, and parmesan cheese. Serve hot!
Kale-Stuffed Shells in a Pumpkin Peanut Sauce
Stuffed pasta shells are an the easy recipe for a quick supper that is sure to please. You can probably make the shell-stuffing a family exercise as well! I reached back to a familiar ingredient trio I grew up on I like to bring to life in modern classics like this one. That is, peanut butter, pumpkin and kale! The recipe, of course, includes other ingredients including spinach, ricotta, parmesan, and pesto, which bring everything together nicely.
The beauty is you can adjust it to suit what you have available in your kitchen, what's in season, and your preferences.
The most important thing is to make sure both the filling AND the sauce the shells are nestled in are equally intense in flavour. Keep tasting as you go. It will make the finished product so much better.
Speaking of which, I had some left over jerk mushroom and lentil mixture I used to stuff some mini turnovers, about 1/4 cup. I add that to the peanut pumpkin sauce. If you want to add another dimension of flavor, you could start off with diced bacon when you sauté the onions, or, add some ground beef to the sauce to make a sort of Bolognese.
Ingredients
Sauce:
1/2 a box of jumbo shells
2/3 cups pumpkin puree
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 tablespoon palm oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons cooking wine
2 tablespoons Worchester sauce
1 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic
1 teaspoon fenugreek powder
1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
3 tablespoons pumpkin spice pepper sauce (I used Camella’s Kitchen’s)
1 teaspoon chili flakes
1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup tomato paste
Filling:
1 cup chopped kale and spinach
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/3 cup grated parmesan
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 tablespoons pesto
Instructions
Cook the pasta as directed on the box until al dente, set aside. If you overcook they will break down so keep that mind.
Sauté the onion, spices, sage, and garlic in the olive and palm oil for about 3 minutes until fragrant on medium-low heat - don’t burn!
Add the tomato paste and diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the pumpkin puree, broth, cooking wine, and Worchester sauce. Stir until evenly mixed and thickened, then add the peanut butter, paprika and chili flakes. Simmer for about 5 minutes, set aside.
Fill your baking tray about halfway with the sauce, set aside.
In a small bowl, stir the parmesan, salt, olive oil, pepper, pesto, spinach and kale until evenly mixed.
Stuff the shells with about 1 heaped teaspoon, then carefully lay the shells on top of the pumpkin peanut sauce.. Bake in the oven at 350F for about 25 minutes.
Remove the baking dish to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Pumpkin Gnocchi with Apple and Sage
Manhanga. That’s what we call pumpkin in my native tongue - or at least one of several gourds. It’s also the season to enjoy all types of gourds in the US - pumpkin, butternut, and acorn squash to name a few. Gnocchi may be an Italian dish, but I love it, and I think most of you on this page right now would agree! I had to apply a familiar ( and seasonal) addition other than the regular potato to this recipe. These dumplings when done right are soft, and typically tossed in a buttery, creamy, rich sauce before being served.
I add the apples for texture and to compliment the sage along with the pumpkin.
Not much is done with pumpkin in Zimbabwe, people usually boil it and season with a little salt. The leaves are also eaten - known as muboora, often mixed with peanut butter - and the seeds are dried and used as well.
This gnocchi is a satisfying, hearty recipe to be enjoyed for lunch or dinner with a glass of wine. You'll probably like it even more on a chilly day!
Ingredients
Roast pumpkin:
1 small sugar pumpkin
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Gnocchi:
Mashed roast pumpkin
1 egg
1/4 cup parmesan
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon fenugreek powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups flour + extra for kneading (I used a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat)
4 tablespoons butter
2-4 tablespoons water
2-4 tablespoons light cream
2-4 tablespoons pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-2 sprigs sage
1-2 apples
Instructions
Slice the pumpkin into quarters and remove the seeds and fibers. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with the spices, salt, and pepper. Bake at 400F for 30 minutes or until the pumpkin flesh is soft, remove from the oven to cool.
Mash the cooled pumpkin in a large bowl, then add the spices, salt, pepper, ricotta and parmesan cheese. Add the flour in parts, kneading with your fingers until it is workable enough to transfer to a cutting board or a hard, clean, floured surface. Add more flour if necessary and knead until you can form a soft, moldable dough. Divide it into four parts, then roll each one into long, thin logs. Cut them into small pieces and set aside.
Once you have all your cut gnocchi, you can roll and shape them against a fork in if you like.
In a large saucepan (depending on how much pasta you plan to serve immediately), add the butter and about 1/2 a diced apple. Saute for about 5 minutes on medium heat until fragrant then set aside.
Boil some water in a large bowl then add the gnocchi. Do this in batches to give them space so they can cook evenly. Allow the gnocchi to boil until they float to the surface of the water. Remove and place on paper towels to absorb any excess water.
Put the saucepan back on the stovetop and add the sage, the pumpkin puree, the cream, water, olive oil, about 1 cup of the gnocchi. Saute until the gnocchi begins to brown (you’ll want to adjust the amount of water, puree and cream to create for the sauce, depending on how much you’d like!) You may have some extra gnocchi left over, so use more apple, sage and sauce to cook the rest.
Season with salt, chilli flakes and pepper, serve hot.
Mushroom Stroganoff
If you're looking for a delicious, quick and easy lunch or dinner meal, this is it!
I used a mixture of mushrooms to give the dish more flavour and dimension, adding rosemary, dried thyme, and other spices.
I also choose to deglaze the pan with cooking wine, adding truffle oil and sautéing the onions and mushrooms in peanut oil.
These kinds of choices make a huge difference when it comes to a finished product.
You won’t want to skip the step where you mix the sour cream with a bit of broth - this helps to prevent the dairy product from curdling.
Mushroom Stroganoff
Ingredients
- 4-ounces mushrooms (mix of shitake, oyster, and cremini)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil
- 1/3 of a poblano pepper
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon truffle oil
- 2 tablespoons cooking wine
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek powder
- 1 cup beef broth (or 1 bouillon cube + 1 cup water)
- 1/2 yellow onion
- 2 cups egg noodles
Instructions
- Slice the onions lengthways and sauté in a pan with the mushrooms, rosemary, dried thyme, cumin, fenugreek, chili flakes, salt, pepper and the poblano pepper in peanut oil. Cook for about 10 minutes to sweat out the mushrooms and caramelize the onions.
- Drizzle the truffle oil then deglaze the pan with the cooking wine.
- Add the broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the broth and mix it with the sour cream. Add it back to the mushrooms and mix well.
- Prepare the noodles as instructed on the bag, wait to drain until you combine with the mushrooms.
- Mix the noodles in with the creamy mushroom mixture. Season with additional black pepper and chili flakes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
600Fat (grams)
38.1Carbs (grams)
51.7Protein (grams)
13.7
Tricolor Vegan Pasta
This dish was inspired by the Tris Signature gnocchi served at Gnoccheria by Luzzo’s in New York City. The plate caught my eye on Instagram where it continues to trend due to the striking colors and love for saucy pasta. This version is on the healthier side with the omission of heavy cream and cheese, but it's still a delightful, quick, and easy meal!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups tricolor rotini (or whatever pasta you have)
6 tablespoons vegan butter or coconut oil
6 tablespoons flour
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups spinach
1/2 hass avocado
3 teaspoons black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons Worchester sauce
3 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup tomato ragu
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1
Cook the pasta according to the packet and drain each portion separately.(Separate the noodles by color before cooking, it will make it easier but is worth it if have the tricolor available. This should equate to a 1/2 cup for each portion).
Step 2
For the vegan alfredo sauce: Melt 2 tablespoons butter and add 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon Worchester sauce, 1/2 cup broth, the olive oil, lemon juice, and coconut milk, mix until combined. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour to thicken the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes. (Depending on how saucy you like your pasta, add more coconut milk).
Mix in the regular colored pasta and mustard, set aside.
Step 3
For the spinach avocado sauce: Blend the avocado and spinach with a little bit of vegetable broth or water until smooth.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter and add 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon Worchester sauce, 1/2 cup broth, the olive oil, lemon juice, blended spinach avocado, and the parsley, fresh thyme, and cilantro. Mix until combined. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour to thicken the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes. (Depending on how saucy you like your pasta, add more vegetable broth).
Mix in the green colored pasta and set aside.
Step 4
For the spicy tomato sauce: Melt 2 tablespoons butter and add 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon Worchester sauce, 1/2 cup broth, the olive oil, lemon juice, tomato ragu, and the chili flakes, mix until combined. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour to thicken the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes. (Depending on how saucy you like your pasta, add more ragu).
Mix in the red colored pasta and set aside.
Note: You can also melt the butter and add the flour to form the roux first, then add the other ingredients.
When ready to serve, heat the portions individually and garnish to your liking.
IKEA Swedish Meatballs, Remixed
When IKEA UK released the recipe to its popular Swedish meatballs, it got the internet buzzing. This recipe maintains the creamy sauce the meatballs are served in, but with one significant switch - the ground meat. Chorizo is a pork sausage popular in Spain, Portugal, and South America. It is full of flavor and higher in fat compared to (making it taste even more delicious in my opinion) the standard combination of pork and beef. This is a guilty pleasure you can try at least once!
IKEA Swedish Meatballs, Remixed
Ingredients:
- 1 heaped cup ground chorizo
- 1/3 cup green onions, chopped
- 3/8 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/8 cup milk (about 5 tablespoons)
- 1 egg (or 1 teaspoon mayonnaise)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- 1 teaspoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worchester sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic chili spice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- In a bowl using your hands, mix the chorizo, garlic, onions, garlic, egg/mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Be sure to mash any large lumps.
- Add the milk, then shape into meatballs into the size of a golf ball. Chill in the fridge for at least 1-hour minimum (this will help the meatballs from breaking apart too easily).
- Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil to a pan. Brown the meatballs, each for about 4 minutes per side.
- Finish them off in an oven at 350F for about 25 minutes and add 2 tablespoons of water to prevent burning. Keep a close eye and make sure the meatballs cook through.
- In another pan, add the rest of the butter and olive oil. Whisk in the flour to form a paste, cook for about a minute.
- Add the broth, cream, Worchester sauce, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic chili and cook for another 2 minutes. Continue to whisk until it thickens.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and baste with the sauce over low heat until they all fully covered.
- Serve hot with pasta or mashed potatoes!
Calories
591Fat (grams)
43.74Carbs (grams)
17.93Protein (grams)
30.8
Pumpkin Alfredo Black Bean Pasta
We all know to expect a slew of pumpkin recipes when autumn hits or whenever the vegetable is in season. Why not mix it with a classic? Alfredo is a delicious, cream and cheese-based sauce we know and love. It pairs with pumpkin seamlessly and can match with any pasta. For the experimental or health-conscious, a vegetable-based pasta serves as a great alternative, such as black bean!
Pumpkin Alfredo Black Bean Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 box of black bean pasta (I used Explore Cuisine's 8 ounces box)
- 1 can organic pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 1/2 cups alfredo sauce
- 1 cup mix of leeks and onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1 teaspoon chipotle
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1 cup broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the pasta according to the instructions on the box.
- Sauté the garlic, leeks and onion in butter and oil, cook until fragrant and the onions are translucent about 3 minutes.
- Add the dried sage and other spices, cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the pumpkin, soy sauce, and alfredo sauce, cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the broth and cooked pasta, simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Check and stir periodically.
- Finish with the lemon and add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh sage!
Calories
591Fat (grams)
44.72Carbs (grams)
35.12Protein (grams)
16.18
Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Coconut Shrimp
I love sweet potato and grew up calling it ‘mbambaira’, typically in boiled form. Boring! Sweet potato is extremely versatile and I understand the superfood much better now. Combine it with flour to make some easy homemade gnocchi. The dumplings can be combined with your choice of sauce and/or protein---in this case, coconut shrimp in a thickened red Thai curry sauce.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Coconut Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 3 large sweet potatoes
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained for 2 hours)
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 6-8 cups water
- 1/2 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon old bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven at 400F for 20 minutes until softened and fully cooked. Allow to cool, remove the skin, and mash in a medium bowl.
- Add the ricotta and mix until combined well. Add the parmesan, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mash until well incorporated.
- Add the flour in three parts until a soft dough forms. Roll and knead on a lightly floured surface (add more flour if the dough is too sticky). Cut the dough into three parts and roll into 12-inch/30 cm long pieces the same thickness as your middle finger.
- Cut into ½ inch/1 cm pieces and press roll with a fork. Place the uncooked gnocchi on a baking trays with parchment paper.
- Boil the water and add salt to taste. Add the gnocchi in batches and cook for 6 minutes each or until they float to the top, placing the cooked gnocchi back on the parchment paper.
- Prepare the coconut shrimp. Cook the garlic in the oil and butter until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the coconut milk, curry paste, stock, salt, pepper, chili powder, and old bay. Stir in the cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 4 minutes until pinkish and no longer translucent. Finish with lemon juice and take the pan off the heat.
- Combine the gnocchi with the shrimp, serve hot. Garnish with sage and additional parmesan.
Calories
797Fat (grams)
49.33Carbs (grams)
57.97Protein (grams)
35.84