Description
This Shrimp Alfredo recipe is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender shrimp in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce served over perfectly cooked fettuccine. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines simple pantry staples with fresh ingredients for an indulgent yet easy meal ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 pound fresh or thawed medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Cook the fettuccine in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the Alfredo sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little until desired consistency is achieved.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh and vibrant finish. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for smooth melting.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water gradually as needed.
- Simmer cream gently over low heat to prevent sauce separation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
Keywords: Shrimp Alfredo, creamy shrimp pasta, fettuccine Alfredo, quick seafood dinner, easy Alfredo sauce