Description
This classic Shrimp Alfredo recipe is a rich, creamy pasta dish featuring tender, perfectly cooked shrimp tossed with fettuccine in a decadent Parmesan and garlic-infused cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal combines buttery flavors and fresh parsley for a comforting and elegant dinner option that serves four.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- ½ lb. frozen shrimp (or fresh, medium-sized, 36/40, peeled and deveined)
- ½ lb. fettuccine
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ⅛ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked, or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them fully and peel. You may remove the tails if preferred. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook the fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook for 7–10 minutes until tender. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, swirl to coat the skillet. Add the shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and pink, taking care not to overcook. Remove shrimp to a clean bowl, keeping any juices.
- Sauté garlic: Lower heat to medium-low. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Alfredo sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and whisk to lift the browned bits from the pan. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and shrimp: Add the drained fettuccine and cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with any shrimp juices. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; they cook quickly and continue to cook slightly after removal from heat.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauciness and help the sauce cling better to the noodles.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- Optional parsley adds a fresh herbal note but can be omitted based on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
