Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a rich, creamy pasta dish that combines succulent shrimp with a velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s a perfect meal for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner when you’re craving something indulgent and comforting. This version features tender shrimp and smooth, buttery fettuccine in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Here’s how to make it:
Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, depending on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt (for pasta water)
Instructions:
- Cook the fettuccine pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes until al dente.
- Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water (for later), then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the shrimp:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine the pasta and shrimp:
- Add the drained fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce and toss until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce. If necessary, add a little more reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and toss everything together.
- Serve:
- Divide the shrimp fettuccine Alfredo among serving plates. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.
Tips:
- Shrimp options: You can use frozen shrimp if fresh shrimp isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking.
- Adding vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the pasta before serving.
- Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan can sometimes result in a grainy sauce.
- Make it spicier: If you like heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Alfredo sauce or stir in red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Make it lighter: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use milk with a bit of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Why It’s Great:
- Rich and creamy: The Alfredo sauce is indulgent and pairs perfectly with the shrimp and pasta.
- Quick and easy: This dish is ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight or special dinner.
- Flavorful: The garlic and Parmesan give the sauce deep flavor, while the shrimp adds a savory seafood element that makes the dish extra special.
This Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is sure to impress with its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender shrimp. It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s both simple to make and delicious to eat! Enjoy!