Description
This Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a luscious, creamy pasta dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed to perfection and enveloped in a rich Parmesan-infused Alfredo sauce. Ideal for a comforting yet elegant meal, this Italian-American classic combines the delicate flavors of garlic, butter, and cream with the satisfying bite of fettuccine pasta. Perfect for seafood lovers seeking a quick and indulgent weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream slightly thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, followed by the drained fettuccine pasta. Toss everything together gently to fully coat the shrimp and pasta in the Alfredo sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- Chicken can be substituted for shrimp if preferred.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts and blends better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Ensure not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
