creamy shrimp fettuccine pasta with homemade alfredo sauce
Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta with Homemade Alfredo Sauce is a luxurious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender fettuccine noodles are paired with juicy, seasoned shrimp and enveloped in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce made from scratch. The sauce, crafted with butter, heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic, strikes the perfect balance of creaminess and flavor. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your kitchen. Easy to make and highly customizable, it’s a must-try for pasta and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta:
Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Alfredo sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Make the creamy sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted.
5. Combine pasta and shrimp:
Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the cooked fettuccine. Toss well to coat the pasta and shrimp with the Alfredo sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
6. Garnish and serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Choosing Shrimp:
Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp that’s peeled and deveined for convenience. Large shrimp are ideal for this recipe, but medium-sized shrimp work as well. - Pasta Selection:
While fettuccine is traditional, feel free to substitute with linguine, spaghetti, or gluten-free pasta if preferred. - Fresh Parmesan Cheese:
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the sauce. Pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s texture. - Reserve Pasta Water:
Save a small amount of pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy liquid can help adjust the sauce’s consistency. - Avoid Overcooking Shrimp:
Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender and juicy. - Reheating Tip:
If reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. - Optional Enhancements:
For added depth, deglaze the pan with white wine before adding the heavy cream or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
This recipe is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s bound to become a household favorite.