Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Introduction

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a luxurious and flavorful Italian-American pasta dish that combines succulent shrimp, silky fettuccine noodles, and rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. This dish elevates the classic Fettuccine Alfredo by adding tender, garlicky shrimp, creating a seafood twist that is both indulgent and satisfying.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The shrimp adds a savory, slightly sweet note that perfectly complements the buttery, cheesy Alfredo sauce, while the wide fettuccine noodles provide the ideal canvas to carry the sauce. Quick to prepare yet elegant in presentation, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or entertaining guests.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo because it combines the luxury of seafood with the comfort of creamy pasta. Each bite delivers tender shrimp coated in a smooth, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle. The combination of garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan creates a rich, velvety texture that is utterly satisfying.

What makes this dish even more special is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes, add fresh herbs for brightness, or incorporate vegetables like spinach or peas for color and nutrition. It’s a recipe that feels gourmet yet is easy enough to prepare at home, making it both impressive and approachable.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a must-try because:

• It’s indulgent and satisfying: Creamy, buttery sauce and tender shrimp make a perfect combination.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
• Elegant and versatile: Perfect for casual dinners or special occasions.
• Rich flavor profile: Garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan complement the delicate sweetness of shrimp beautifully.

This dish is a seafood lover’s dream and a comforting, elegant meal that is sure to impress.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~650 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Shrimp

• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine noodles
• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Alfredo Sauce

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the Fettuccine:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
   • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Slowly add heavy cream, stirring to combine.
   • Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese:
   • Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet with Alfredo sauce.
   • Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
6. Add Shrimp:
   • Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss lightly with pasta and sauce.
7. Serve:
   • Transfer to serving plates, garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve

• Serve immediately while hot.
• Pair with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables.
• Drizzle with extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp; they should be tender and pink, not rubbery.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
• Toss pasta immediately with sauce to ensure even coating.

Variations

1. Spicy Shrimp Alfredo: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili for heat.
2. Vegetable Alfredo: Add peas, spinach, or asparagus for added color and nutrition.
3. Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in extra garlic and butter before adding to pasta.
4. Lighter Alfredo: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use whole wheat fettuccine.
5. Creamy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo: Season shrimp with Cajun spices for a bold twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Alfredo Sauce: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently over low heat.
• Cooked Pasta with Sauce: Best eaten fresh; reheating may cause sauce separation.
• Shrimp: Best cooked fresh; avoid freezing cooked shrimp in Alfredo sauce to maintain texture.
• Freezing: Not recommended for the assembled dish; freeze sauce separately for up to 1 month.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet for shrimp and sauce
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Grater for Parmesan cheese

Conclusion

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a rich, creamy, and elegant pasta dish that combines tender shrimp with luxurious Alfredo sauce and fettuccine noodles. Quick to prepare yet impressive in presentation, it is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or entertaining guests. With its versatility, rich flavor, and indulgent texture, this dish is a must-have recipe for seafood and pasta lovers alike.

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Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Author: admin Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Pasta

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 650 calories per serving

Description

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a luxurious and flavorful Italian-American pasta dish that combines succulent shrimp, silky fettuccine noodles, and rich, creamy Alfredo sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Pasta and Shrimp

• 12 oz (340 g)
• 1 lb (450 g)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Alfredo Sauce

• ½ cup (1 stick)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Slowly add heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet with Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
6. Add Shrimp: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss lightly with pasta and sauce.
7. Serve: Transfer to serving plates, garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Keywords: Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe