Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp & Chicken Alfredo
“Juicy grilled chicken and tender shrimp tossed in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce over fettuccine—this is the ultimate comfort meal!”
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp butter
For the Shrimp:
8 large shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 tbsp butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Creamy Alfredo Pasta:
12 oz (340g) fettuccine
3 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it rest.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Add shrimp, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side until pink.
Drizzle with lemon juice and remove from heat.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In a new pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thick.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
Toss the cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce until fully coated.
Plate the pasta and top with sliced grilled chicken and shrimp.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Pro Tip: Serve with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect execution. First, gather and prep all ingredients (mise en place). Start boiling heavily salted pasta water. While it heats, season the chicken. Cook the pasta to al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of starchy water. In a large skillet, sear the chicken until its internal temperature reaches 165°F, then set aside to rest. In the same skillet, cook the shrimp quickly to avoid rubberiness. For the sauce, use a clean pan to melt butter, cook garlic until fragrant, then slowly whisk in the cream. Reduce heat to low before gradually adding Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with reserved pasta water. Slice the rested chicken. Combine pasta and sauce, then top with proteins.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Serve with a classic Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Warm, buttery garlic bread is essential for soaking up extra sauce. For a vegetable side, try roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the garlic and Parmesan flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
Boil pasta. Season and pan-sear chicken until cooked through. Sauté shrimp in the same pan with garlic and lemon. In a separate saucepan, create the Alfredo sauce by simmering butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan until thickened. Toss drained pasta with the sauce. Top with sliced chicken and shrimp. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? Yes, but add them at the very end just to warm through to prevent overcooking.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk and use a light sprinkle of Parmesan. The sauce will be thinner but still flavorful.
My sauce broke or became grainy. How do I fix it? This happens if the heat is too high when adding cheese. Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, then whisk in a tablespoon of hot pasta water until it re-emulsifies.
Can I prepare any components ahead? You can cook the chicken and shrimp, and make the sauce a day ahead. Store separately and reheat the sauce gently, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen it.
What’s the best pasta substitute for fettuccine? Any long pasta like linguine or tagliatelle works well. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, adding them directly to the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp, which makes them tough and rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Adding Parmesan cheese to the sauce on high heat, causing it to clump instead of melt smoothly.
- Not salting the pasta water sufficiently, which is your main chance to season the pasta itself.
- Slicing the chicken immediately after cooking, letting all the juices escape. Always let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Draining the pasta and letting it sit dry, causing it to stick. Toss it with sauce immediately or with a bit of olive oil.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp & Chicken Alfredo is a restaurant-quality meal achievable in your own kitchen. By balancing the savory proteins with a luxurious, homemade sauce, it delivers maximum comfort and flavor. Mastering the simple techniques outlined—from properly searing chicken to crafting a smooth Alfredo—ensures a flawless result every time. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy the process and the delicious reward.