Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender shrimp, silky Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine. This easy-to-make, restaurant-quality meal balances luscious comfort with quick preparation, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Contains Dairy and Shellfish
Shrimp
- 12 oz fresh or thawed raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
Alfredo Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes depending on the brand. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for adjusting the sauce consistency if needed.
- Prepare the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring frequently. Let it simmer gently on low heat for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Season: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained fettuccine. Gently toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and distribute the shrimp throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook shrimp; cook until just pink and opaque to avoid rubberiness.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for optimal melting and taste.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Simmer heavy cream gently on low heat to prevent curdling and create a smooth Alfredo.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
Keywords: Shrimp Alfredo, Fettuccine Alfredo, Creamy Pasta, Italian Dinner, Seafood Pasta