Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a restaurant-style dish you can make at home in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta combines juicy shrimp with a silky homemade Alfredo sauce and tender fettuccine noodles.
🕒 Prep Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes
- Total: 30 minutes
🍳 Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
🦐 Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen works. If frozen, thaw before cooking.
- Parmesan: Always use freshly grated for the creamiest sauce.
- Pasta: Fettuccine holds Alfredo sauce best, but linguine or spaghetti also works.
- Milk + Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Step 2 – Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Step 3 – Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and milk, bringing to a gentle simmer. Lower heat, then whisk in Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 4 – Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss until pasta is coated in sauce. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 5 – Serve
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
🍽 Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)
- Calories: ~640
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
💡 Tips & Variations
- Add Veggies: Broccoli, peas, or spinach make a great addition.
- Extra Flavor: A squeeze of lemon juice over the shrimp brightens the dish.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Make it Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
