This Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is the ultimate comfort pasta—juicy shrimp tossed in a silky, garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, coating every strand of fettuccine. It’s elegant enough for guests, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
🕒 Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
- Servings: 4
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs
- Colander
🥣 Ingredients
🍝 Pasta & Shrimp:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
🧀 Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk (optional, for lighter sauce)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for depth)
🌿 Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Extra Parmesan cheese
🧂 Ingredient Notes
- Shrimp: Medium or large work best—don’t overcook
- Parmesan: Freshly grated melts smoother than pre-packaged
- Cream: Use full-fat for that rich, authentic texture
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds bold flavor
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Boil salted water and cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Cook Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make Alfredo Sauce
In the same pan:
- Melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted
- Add milk (if using) for desired consistency
- Season with Italian seasoning and nutmeg
Step 4: Combine
Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the sauce.
Toss gently until everything is well coated.
Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread 🥖
- Pair with a fresh green salad
- Add roasted vegetables on the side
🔢 Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 600–700
- Carbohydrates: 45–50g
- Fat: 35–40g
- Protein: 30–35g
💡 Tips for Perfect Alfredo
- Don’t boil the sauce—keep it at a gentle simmer
- Use freshly grated cheese to avoid clumping
- Cook shrimp just until pink to keep them tender
- Toss pasta immediately with sauce for best texture
🔄 Variations
1. Chicken Alfredo
Replace shrimp with grilled chicken
2. Spicy Alfredo
Add chili flakes or Cajun seasoning
3. Garlic Butter Shrimp Alfredo
Increase butter and garlic for richer flavor
4. Low-Carb Version
Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta
❄️ Storage
- Fridge: Up to 3 days
- Reheat: Add milk or cream when reheating to restore texture
- Freezer: Not recommended (cream sauce may separate)
