If you are looking to impress your family or friends with a rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible dish, this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is your secret weapon. Combining succulent shrimp with fresh fettuccine pasta drowned in a dreamy Parmesan and cream cheese sauce, this dish effortlessly brings gourmet Italian flavors right to your kitchen table. Every bite is a delightful balance of buttery, garlicky sauce with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe plays a vital role, from the juicy shrimp that add a meaty texture to the combination of cheeses that create a luscious, velvety sauce. Freshness and simplicity drive the flavor and beauty of this dish, letting quality ingredients shine through.
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined: Use fresh or thawed shrimp for a succulent seafood base that cooks quickly and adds a natural sweetness.
- 300 grams fresh fettuccine pasta: Fresh pasta cooks fast and has a smooth texture that embraces the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A healthy fat that gently cooks the shrimp and vegetables while adding a subtle richness.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Essential for that nutty, salty flavor that defines Alfredo sauce.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese: Adds thickness and creaminess, giving the sauce a luxurious mouthfeel.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley: Fresh parsley brings color and a mild herbal brightness to balance the richness.
- 1/3 cup fresh mozzarella cheese (optional): Use for an indulgent baked topping that creates a golden, bubbly crust.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a hint of pungency.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions: Onions soften to add sweetness and a subtle crunch.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds warmth and a slight bite to the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly during cooking.
- 1/2 tablespoon salt flakes (to taste): Adds a lovely texture and an extra hit of saltiness when finishing the dish.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: The backbone of the Alfredo sauce, providing richness and a silky texture.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Enhances the sauce’s flavor and helps meld all the ingredients together beautifully.
How to Make Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to season the pasta water, which helps the noodles flavor up from the inside out. Cook the fresh fettuccine for about 3 minutes until it is al dente, meaning it has a slight firmness when bitten. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it — keeping the starch on the noodles helps the sauce cling even better.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until warm but not smoking. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the hot oil and cook them until they turn a beautiful coral orange, about 2 to 3 minutes. This quick cooking keeps the shrimp tender and juicy while bringing out their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Herbs
Next, toss in the minced garlic, finely chopped onions, and fresh parsley. Stir and cook this fragrant trio until the onions become soft and translucent, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. The garlic and onion soften the sharpness and shift into a sweet, aromatic flavor base that infuses the entire dish.
Step 4: Create the Alfredo Sauce
Stir in the melted butter, cream cheese, and heavy whipping cream, gently cooking until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This step is where everything comes together; the rich cream and tangy cream cheese form a luscious foundation for your Alfredo sauce in about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Season and Thicken
Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with ground black pepper, stirring steadily. Within about 1 minute, the sauce will thicken beautifully, coating your spoon and promising those perfect pasta hugs we all crave. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning to your liking at this stage.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Put the cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet and toss well to ensure every strand is coated with the luxurious Alfredo sauce. Finish by sprinkling salt flakes to add texture and a burst of salty goodness according to your preference.
Step 7: Bake for a Golden Finish (Optional)
If you want to take this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe to the next level, sprinkle chopped fresh mozzarella cheese over the top and place the skillet under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch it closely as the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown, adding a delightful cheesy crust that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy pasta beneath.
How to Serve Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up this decadent dish with some freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. A light dusting of cracked black pepper adds an elegant touch and a little pop of heat to balance the richness. A lemon wedge on the side also complements the shrimp beautifully, offering a fresh zing.
Side Dishes
Pairing this creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe with crisp, fresh sides works wonders. Consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed asparagus for some crunch and color contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce and make the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the fettuccine in warm pasta bowls and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or basil for a restaurant-quality touch. Alternatively, present the baked version right in the skillet it was cooked in for a rustic, cozy centerpiece. For a fun twist, try plating individual portions layered with shrimp on top, then drizzle a little extra Alfredo sauce around the edges for a fancy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2 days to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce fresh. When stored properly, the flavors intensify slightly, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
While shrimp and cream-based sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this dish for short-term storage if needed. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve the creamy texture as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at a lower power setting, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. This will help restore the creamy consistency and keep the shrimp tender without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra water diluting the sauce. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well.
Is it okay to use dried pasta instead of fresh fettuccine?
Yes, you can use dried fettuccine pasta but adjust cooking time according to package instructions. Fresh pasta tends to have a more delicate texture, but dried pasta will still taste great with this sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy sauce, but you could experiment with dairy-free cream substitutes and vegan cheeses. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will change, but it can still be delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes black pepper for mild warmth, but it isn’t spicy. You can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you like a little heat.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with mascarpone or even a mixture of softened cream and a bit of butter for a similar creamy texture, though the tanginess of cream cheese adds a unique richness.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is a true showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With its luscious sauce and tender shrimp, it’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and elegant at the same time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favourite that graces your table again and again!
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Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a creamy, decadent Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring succulent sautéed shrimp tossed with fresh fettuccine in a rich Alfredo sauce made from cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Enhanced with garlic, onions, and parsley, this recipe offers quick preparation and optional broiled mozzarella topping for a gratin finish. Perfect for an indulgent weeknight meal or special occasion dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 20–25 pieces)
- 300 grams fresh fettuccine pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
Alfredo 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)
Topping (Optional)
- 1/3 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 teaspoon salt. Add the fresh fettuccine pasta and cook until al dente, about 3 minutes. Drain the pasta without rinsing to retain starch for the sauce.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn orange and are just cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, finely chopped onions, and parsley to the skillet with shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Create the Alfredo Sauce Base: Stir in 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 cup cream cheese, and 1 cup heavy whipping cream into the skillet. Cook while stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Mix in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper. Continue stirring as the sauce thickens, about 1 minute, ensuring a rich consistency.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine into the skillet and toss well to coat evenly with the sauce. Season with salt flakes to taste, adjusting seasoning as preferred.
- Optional Baking Step: For a baked version, preheat the broiler. Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped fresh mozzarella cheese over the top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; fresh fettuccine cooks quickly and should remain al dente.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined for best texture and taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor and smooth melting.
- The optional broiling step adds a delightful cheesy crust but can be skipped for a quicker meal.
- Cast-iron skillet is recommended for even heat distribution, but a heavy-bottomed pan works as well.
