If you are craving a dinner that feels both indulgent and effortlessly elegant, this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is absolutely your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce meets tender, juicy shrimp and perfectly cooked fettuccine to create a classic Italian-American masterpiece that sings with flavor in every bite. This dish strikes such a wonderful balance of comforting richness and fresh seafood brightness that it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight or impressing guests alike. Once you make this, you’ll soon understand why it’s a beloved favorite that keeps hearts and taste buds happy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients really do make the magic happen here. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to build rich layers of flavor, with the shrimp adding a lovely sweetness, the Parmesan providing savory depth, and the creamy sauce bringing everything together in luscious harmony.
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta: The wide, flat noodles are perfect for holding onto the silky sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps cook the shrimp evenly.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein that brings a fresh, ocean-kissed taste and tender texture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enriches the sauce with a creamy, velvety foundation.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Injects just the right amount of aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: Creates the luscious, dreamy base for the Alfredo sauce.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Provides savory, nutty intensity and melts beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and balance.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little spicy kick to wake up the senses.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, bright pop of color and flavor to finish it off.
How to Make Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking the fettuccine just until al dente is key—it should still have a slight bite to stand up to the creamy sauce. Once done, drain and set the pasta aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat your olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook them for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn a gorgeous pink and are fully opaque. Remove the shrimp to a plate so they don’t overcook; you’ll toss them back in later.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Reduce the skillet heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned—you want that garlicky aroma to fill your kitchen. Then pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and if you love a bit of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Keep the sauce at a low simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy. Fresh Parmesan here is a game-changer; it melts seamlessly and adds unbeatable flavor.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp and the drained fettuccine back into the skillet. Toss everything together with care until each strand of pasta is smothered in that rich Alfredo sauce and the shrimp is evenly distributed. Don’t be shy here—fully coating the pasta is the secret to each heavenly bite!
How to Serve Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the look of your dish but adds a subtle fresh note that balances the creamy richness beautifully. If you want to take it a step further, a tiny drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the Alfredo. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread also work perfectly to sop up any leftover sauce, making every morsel count.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe in shallow pasta bowls for an inviting, rustic look. For dinner parties, you can add a touch of elegance by topping with shaved Parmesan curls and a few edible flowers or microgreens. Serving family-style in a large wooden bowl encourages a warm, communal feel that everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which always seems to happen!), store the fettuccine and shrimp separately in airtight containers for best texture. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 2 days to enjoy fresh flavors and safe food handling.
Freezing
Since Alfredo sauce can sometimes separate when frozen, it’s best to freeze the shrimp and pasta separately without sauce. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a fresh batch of sauce for the best creamy consistency.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as it reheats. Stir gently to keep that creamy texture intact. Microwave reheating is possible but do so in short intervals and stir in between to prevent the sauce from breaking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting your sauce.
Is there a lighter option for the Alfredo sauce?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk instead of heavy cream, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and may not thicken as much.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free fettuccine noodles, which are widely available, and follow the recipe as usual.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors beautifully.
Can this recipe be made without shrimp?
Yes! Swap the shrimp for grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious twist that still complements the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe has earned its spot as a go-to comfort-food favorite, and I hope it becomes one of yours, too. It’s the kind of meal that feels special without being complicated, perfect for feeding your loved ones or treating yourself to something truly satisfying and oh-so-creamy. Give it a try soon—you’ll be so happy you did!
Print
Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish combining tender fettuccine noodles with succulent sautéed shrimp and a rich garlic Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it blends classic Italian-American flavors with simple ingredients and easy stovetop cooking.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
Shrimp and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained fettuccine. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce to brighten the flavors.
- Chicken can be substituted for shrimp if preferred.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and creamy sauce texture.
