What’s Up, Hungry People

I’ll be the first to admit that I love Alfredo but hate making it. Not that the process is difficult—I just want all that delicious cheesy goodness in my face hole that much faster.

Recently, I’ve been playing a lot of “What’s in My Fridge Door,” where I sift through old ingredients to make something new and delicious. Where the twist comes in, is that we will be using jarred Alfredo sauce as our base instead of making it from scratch. And this isn’t going to be your boring ol’ fettuccine Alfredo—no!

Instead of fettuccine, we’ll swap in egg noodles and some tangy flavors like pickled jalapeños, capers, and dill.

What’s in My Fridge Door?

Here’s what we pulled out of the fridge tonight!

• Frozen Shrimp – I always like to keep shrimp handy, and since I have half a bag left, it’s the perfect amount to add to our noodles.
• Garlic – and lots of it! Essential for adding depth to our sauce.
• Pickled Jalapeños – the brine adds a hidden layer of zest in each bite.
• Alfredo Sauce – I’m using a jar of plain Alfredo (Ragu brand) that is just begging for some added flavors.
• Olive Oil and Butter – to make sure everything sautés nicely and adds richness to the dish.
• Wide Egg Noodles – not sure where they came from, but it’s time to use them up!
• Fresh Parsley and Dill – I’m always a proponent of using fresh ingredients over dried for a burst of color and taste.
• Capers – for pops of saltiness throughout.
• Feta Cheese – for sprinkling on top! Because who doesn’t love more cheese?

While I was initially skeptical about combining all of these ingredients (I always warn my husband on experimental nights to have a pizza on speed dial), the final dish came out amazing!

So amazing that I will definitely have to make this dish again in the future. It’s so easy to make, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t think of it ages ago—it’s a good thing the universe of ingredients in my fridge aligned perfectly to bring this dish to the internet!

Let’s Cook

First things first, let’s get those shrimp cooking. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and heat it until it’s shimmering like your favorite kitchen appliance. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn a beautiful pink color – about 2 to 3 minutes. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook the egg noodles according to the instructions on the bag until they’re al dente, which is Italian for “just right.”

Bringing It All Together

Now, without cleaning the skillet (because who likes extra dishes?), add the butter and let it melt until it’s frothy. Toss in the minced garlic and pickled jalapeños. Sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes until your kitchen smells incredible, and then stir in the capers.

It’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked egg noodles and Alfredo sauce to the skillet. Stir everything well and let it heat until bubbling, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the fresh parsley, dill, and the cooked shrimp.

Pro Tips for Perfect Egg Noodle Shrimp Alfredo

• Shrimp Selection: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Run them under cold water if you’re in a hurry. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in your dish.
• Noodle Control: Don’t overcook your noodles; they should be slightly firm to the bite. They’ll continue cooking a bit when mixed with the hot Alfredo sauce.
• Customize the Heat: If you’re a spice lover, consider adding extra jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat.
• Capers and Salt: Taste before adding any additional salt since capers can be quite salty. Adjust accordingly.
• Freshness Matters: Fresh herbs can elevate any dish, so don’t skip the parsley and dill. If you can’t find fresh, adjust the amount when using dried herbs.

Common Questions

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  • Absolutely! Feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand. Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti will work well in this dish.
• What if I don’t have pickled jalapeños?
  • You can substitute with fresh jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce for that spicy kick.
• Can I add vegetables to this dish?
  • Definitely! Consider adding broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
• Is there a way to make it dairy-free?
  • Yes, you can use a dairy-free Alfredo sauce and skip the feta cheese. Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.

This egg noodle shrimp alfredo has become a favorite in my kitchen. Who knew that playing “What’s in My Fridge Door” could result in such a delicious dish? It’s perfect for when you want to impress your family with minimal effort. So, next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to cook, remember this fun twist on Alfredo. Happy cooking, Hungry People!

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