Carrabbas Pasta Weesie Recipe

I’ve always been a huge fan of the pasta dishes at Carrabba’s, and the Carrabbas Pasta Weesie Recipe is my absolute favorite.

I decided to try and recreate it at home, and I was shocked at how well it turned out. That rich, creamy Alfredo sauce combined with the bright, zesty lemon butter shrimp is a match made in heaven.

The sautéed mushrooms and scallions add a wonderful depth of flavor that makes the dish feel truly special. My family couldn’t get enough of it, and now I’m excited to share how you can bring this restaurant-quality meal into your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Here are the key components for this recipe. Choosing the right ingredients is the first step to recreating that authentic Carrabba’s taste.

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – I recommend a good quality olive oil, as its flavor will come through when you sauté the mushrooms and shrimp.
• 10 ounces white mushrooms – Freshly sliced white or cremini mushrooms work best here; they release less water and hold their shape better than pre-sliced ones.
• 1 pound medium shrimp – Use peeled and deveined shrimp to save on prep time. Fresh is fantastic, but high-quality frozen shrimp that has been fully thawed also works great.
• 2 garlic cloves – Minced fresh garlic provides a fragrant aroma and flavor that garlic powder just can’t match.
• Lemon butter sauce – This bright, citrusy sauce is essential for the “Weesie” flavor. You can use a store-bought version or make your own.
• 2 scallions – Thinly sliced scallions add a mild, fresh onion flavor that complements the richness of the sauces.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper – White pepper offers a more subtle heat than black pepper, which is ideal for creamy sauces.
• 1 pound fresh fettuccine – Fresh pasta cooks quickly and has a superior texture that is perfect for clinging to the rich sauces.
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce – A high-quality, jarred Alfredo sauce is a great time-saver, but a homemade version will elevate the dish even more.
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Romano cheese – Always grate your cheese fresh from a block; it melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.

Note: This recipe makes enough for about 4 servings based on the ingredients listed.

Variations

While the classic recipe is a knockout, you can easily adapt it to your taste or what you have on hand.

• Chicken Weesie: Not a fan of shrimp? You can substitute it with bite-sized pieces of sautéed chicken breast for an equally delicious meal.
• Add Some Greens: For extra nutrients and color, wilt a few handfuls of fresh spinach into the lemon butter sauce along with the scallions.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet with the garlic to give the shrimp and mushroom sauce a gentle, warm heat.
• Different Pasta: Fettuccine is traditional, but this dish also works beautifully with other long pasta shapes like linguine or spaghetti.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Large Pot: You’ll need this for boiling the fresh fettuccine to perfection.
• Very Large Skillet: This is crucial for cooking the mushrooms and shrimp and combining them with the sauce without overcrowding the pan.
• Colander: Used for draining the cooked pasta thoroughly before tossing it with the Alfredo sauce.
• Tongs: These are perfect for tossing the pasta with the sauce and plating the final dish gracefully.

How to Make Carrabba’s Pasta Weesie Recipe?

This dish comes together surprisingly quickly, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.

Start the Pasta Water and Sauté Mushrooms

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for your pasta. While it heats up, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and have released their liquid, which takes about 5 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the mushrooms to a separate bowl and set them aside.

Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the hot skillet. Cook the shrimp, stirring now and then, for about 3 minutes until they are just turning opaque. Be careful not to overcook them at this stage. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for one more minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and softens.

Create the Shrimp Sauce

Return the cooked mushrooms to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the lemon butter sauce and add the sliced scallions. Reduce the heat to low and stir gently for about 30 seconds until the sauce is just warmed through and smooth. You don’t want it to get too hot or melt completely. Season the mixture with salt and white pepper, then set the skillet aside off the heat.

Cook Pasta and Assemble

Add the fresh fettuccine to your boiling water, stirring to ensure the strands don’t stick together. Cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Drain the pasta well and return it to the empty pot. Add the Alfredo sauce and the freshly grated Romano cheese, mixing until the fettuccine is evenly coated. Using tongs, divide the creamy pasta among four warm bowls. Top each bowl with an equal amount of the shrimp and mushroom mixture and serve immediately.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Over time, I’ve picked up a few extra pointers that help make this copycat recipe taste just like the restaurant version.

• I find that patting the shrimp completely dry with a paper towel before cooking helps them get a better sear instead of just steaming in the pan.
• I always have my sauces and other ingredients prepped and ready to go before I start cooking, as the whole process moves very quickly.
• Don’t be shy with the salt in your pasta water. It’s the only chance you get to season the pasta itself, and it makes a big difference in the final taste.
• I like to warm my serving bowls before plating. This simple step helps keep the pasta hot from the first bite to the last.

How to Serve Carrabba’s Pasta Weesie Recipe?

Serve this pasta immediately while it’s hot and the sauces are at their peak consistency. I love to present it in wide, shallow pasta bowls to show off the beautiful shrimp and mushroom topping. Offer extra freshly grated Romano cheese and a pepper mill at the table so guests can customize their plates. A simple side of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce at the bottom of the bowl.

Nutritional Information

This is an estimate of the nutritional values per serving, which can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: Approximately 750 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fat: 38g

Make Ahead and Storage

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can manage leftovers with these simple guidelines.

Storing in the Fridge

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, I recommend storing the shrimp mixture and the Alfredo pasta in separate containers to prevent the pasta from becoming too saturated.

Freezing Guidelines

I would advise against freezing this dish. The texture of both the cream-based Alfredo sauce and the lemon butter sauce can become grainy and separate when thawed. The cooked shrimp can also become rubbery after being frozen and reheated.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, gently warm the Alfredo pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Reheat the shrimp mixture in a separate skillet just until warmed through. Combine in a bowl right before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe has become a staple in my home for many reasons, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same.

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: It allows you to enjoy a beloved restaurant classic without leaving your house, impressing anyone you cook for.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of two distinct sauces—one creamy and rich, the other bright and zesty—creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet taste, the dish comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
• Customizable: You can easily swap the protein or add vegetables, allowing you to tailor the dish to your family’s preferences.