If you crave a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and absolutely bursting with flavor, look no further than this delightful Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe. It brings together tender, juicy shrimp and fresh fettuccine pasta smothered in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce that’s both silky and indulgent. With the perfect balance of garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of parsley for freshness, this recipe transforms a classic Italian favorite into a weeknight crowd-pleaser that feels both special and effortlessly elegant. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for a luscious seafood pasta dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect harmony of creamy texture, vibrant flavor, and satisfying bite. From the plump shrimp bringing in the seafood sweetness to the fresh cheeses that melt into the sauce, every item is carefully chosen to elevate your dinner plate.
- Shrimp: One pound of peeled and deveined shrimp adds the star protein with a delicate, briny taste.
- Fresh fettuccine pasta: 300 grams provides a tender and chewy base that soaks up the Alfredo sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Two tablespoons, giving a subtle fruitiness to sauté the shrimp and aromatics.
- Parmesan cheese: Half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan delivers a sharp, nutty depth that’s crucial to the sauce.
- Cream cheese: Half a cup smooths the sauce with its creamy texture and mild tang.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese (optional): One-third cup chopped, perfect if you want to add a melty, golden top by baking.
- Parsley: A quarter cup finely chopped, which brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note.
- Minced garlic: Two tablespoons give a fragrant punch that elevates the whole dish.
- Finely chopped onions: Half a cup softens into sweetness as it cooks, balancing the garlic.
- Ground black pepper: One teaspoon for a subtle kick and aromatic warmth.
- Salt and salt flakes: A teaspoon of ground salt and half a tablespoon of flakes, to season layers and finish the dish with texture.
- Heavy whipping cream: One cup creates the luxurious, velvety Alfredo base.
- Melted butter: Two tablespoons add richness and help bind the sauce components.
How to Make Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the fresh fettuccine. Cook it al dente, which means it’s tender but still has a little bite, usually about 3 minutes. Once perfectly cooked, drain the pasta but don’t rinse it—that way, the sauce sticks beautifully to every strand.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a cast-iron skillet heated over medium-high, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the shrimp and cook them just until they turn a vibrant orange color, about 2 to 3 minutes. This quick sear locks in that tender, juicy texture and sweet flavor that shrimp are famous for.
Step 3: Build Your Flavor Base
To the skillet with shrimp, add minced garlic, finely chopped onions, and fresh parsley. Cook everything together for a couple of minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent. This mixture infuses the dish with an irresistible aroma and layers of savory depth.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Stir in melted butter, cream cheese, and heavy whipping cream. Keep the sauce over medium heat, whisking until it’s completely smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes. This is the luscious heart of your Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe that brings all the ingredients together.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ground black pepper, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. This step ensures every bite is coated in a perfectly silky, flavorful creaminess.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked fettuccine into the Alfredo sauce and mix thoroughly so every noodle is drenched in that creamy goodness. Season with salt flakes to your taste, giving the dish just the right seasoning balance and a hint of crunch.
Step 7: Optional Baked Finish
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle chopped mozzarella cheese over the top and place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and bubbly. This cheesy crust adds another exciting texture and flavor dimension to your Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe.
How to Serve Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Simple is often best here. A sprinkle of more fresh parsley or an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese adds beautiful color and boosts that fresh, cheesy flavor. Some freshly cracked black pepper on top can give a nice, pungent edge to every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve this creamy seafood pasta with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted asparagus. These light, fresh sides create a perfect balance with the richness of the Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe and keep the meal feeling harmonious and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, plate the pasta in individual nests topped with a few whole cooked shrimp and a lemon wedge to brighten things up. Serving it family-style in a beautiful cast-iron skillet or shallow bowl invites everyone to dive right in and share the joy of comfort food together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The creamy sauce might thicken as it chills, but you’ll find the flavors only deepen overnight. Stored this way, your Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe keeps fresh for up to 2 days.
Freezing
This dish isn’t the best candidate for freezing because fresh pasta and cream-based sauces can separate or lose texture when thawed. However, if you must, freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce separately from the pasta in airtight containers and use within a month for best results.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through and creamy again. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the sauce to curdle and the shrimp to turn rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking, so they sear nicely instead of steaming in the skillet. This ensures you get that perfect texture and flavor in the dish.
Is it okay to use dried pasta instead of fresh fettuccine?
Yes, dried pasta works fine too. Just remember that cooking times will vary; follow the package instructions to cook it al dente. The sauce clings beautifully to both fresh and dried pasta varieties.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer an extra thick Alfredo sauce, allow it to simmer a little longer after adding the Parmesan cheese, stirring frequently. You can also add just a touch more cream cheese for that luxurious density.
Can I substitute heavy cream with milk or a lighter alternative?
Using milk will create a thinner sauce and may affect the richness you expect from Alfredo. For a lighter option, try half-and-half, but heavy cream really gives that authentic decadence this recipe is known for.
What wine pairs well with Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe?
A crisp, refreshing white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and highlights the shrimp’s sweetness. These wines cut through the richness and refresh your palate with every sip.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is truly one of those dishes that makes you smile with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone, a family dinner, or simply treating yourself, it’s a recipe that brings comfort, elegance, and joy all in one bowl. Dive in, and let the creamy goodness and tender shrimp win your heart.
Print
Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic and onions, tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce made with cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Ready in just 22 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner, with an optional cheesy baked topping for extra decadence.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 20–25 pieces)
- 300 grams fresh fettuccine pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling pasta)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (from an 8 oz package)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon salt flakes (to taste)
Optional Topping
- 1/3 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the fresh fettuccine pasta. Cook until al dente, approximately 3 minutes. Drain the pasta well but do not rinse to retain surface starches for the sauce.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn orange and are fully cooked through.
- Cook Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, finely chopped onions, and parsley to the skillet with the shrimp. Cook together for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their flavor.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons of melted butter, the cream cheese, and heavy whipping cream. Cook and stir the mixture over medium heat until it smooths out, about 2 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ground black pepper. Continue stirring for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine into the skillet and toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly in the Alfredo sauce. Season with salt flakes to taste for the final flavor adjustment.
- Bake with Mozzarella (Optional): For a baked variation, sprinkle chopped fresh mozzarella cheese over the pasta in the skillet. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Remove carefully and serve hot.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; fresh fettuccine only needs about 3 minutes to stay firm and ideal for tossing.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- The optional mozzarella topping adds a delicious cheesy crust when broiled, but the dish is delightful without baking as well.
- If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, any large sauté pan or ovenproof skillet will work.
- Adjust salt flakes last to avoid over-salting since cheese and pasta water already add saltiness.
- Use fresh parsley and minced garlic to bring bright, fresh flavors to the sauce profile.
