Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Ingredients

• Kosher salt
• 12 ounces fettuccine
• Olive oil, for tossing
• 3/4 pound large shrimp (about 16), shelled and deveined, tails removed
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 pinches dry parsley or fresh chopped parsley 
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

  Directions

  Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and salt generously. Add the pasta, and boil according to package directions until al dente, tender but still slightly firm. Strain, and toss with a splash of oil.

  Meanwhile, arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a large pie pan or paper plate, and pat them with a paper towel until completely dry. Season with salt and pepper.

  Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and add 2 tablespoons of the butter. When the butter melts, raise the heat to medium-high, and invert the plate of shrimp over the skillet so the shrimp fall into the pan all at once. Cook the shrimp, without moving them, until the underside is pink, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the shrimp, and cook until fully pink and cooked through, about 2 minutes more. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl.

  Reduce the heat to medium, and add the remaining 6 tablespoons butter. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. When the butter has mostly melted, whisk in the cream add the dry parsley or fresh chopped parsley and bring to a simmer, then cook for 2 minutes. Lower the heat to keep the sauce warm.

  Whisk the Parmigiano-Reggiano into the sauce. Add the shrimp and cooked pasta, and toss well. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot in heated bowls.