Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
This rich, creamy, and garlicky shrimp Alfredo pasta is an absolute showstopper! A perfect blend of juicy shrimp, velvety Alfredo sauce, and fettuccine pasta—it’s a restaurant-quality meal made right at home.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Alfredo Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional for heat)
For the Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine pasta
1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil & butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same pan, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in parmesan and mozzarella cheese until smooth and creamy.
Combine & Serve:
Add fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Top with sautéed shrimp and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese and warm garlic bread!
Creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor—this shrimp Alfredo pasta is a dream come true! Who’s making this tonight?
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof dish. First, prep all ingredients before heating any pans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. While waiting, pat the shrimp dry and season them. In a large skillet, sauté the shrimp as instructed and set them aside on a plate. Start cooking your fettuccine. Using the same skillet builds flavor; make the sauce by melting butter, cooking garlic briefly, then adding cream and seasonings. Let it simmer gently to thicken slightly before adding cheeses off the heat, stirring until fully melted. Finally, combine the drained pasta with the sauce, add the shrimp back to warm through, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta is best served immediately. Plate it in shallow bowls for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, extra grated Parmesan, and a crack of black pepper. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut the richness. Warm, crusty garlic bread or a toasted baguette is essential for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce. A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the garlic and shrimp perfectly.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cook pasta. Sauté seasoned shrimp and set aside. In the same pan, make a sauce with butter, garlic, cream, and cheese. Combine pasta and sauce, then mix in the shrimp. Garnish and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? It’s not recommended, as they can become rubbery. If you must, add them at the very end just to warm through.
How can I make the sauce thicker? Let the cream simmer a bit longer before adding cheese. For a quick fix, create a slurry with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp water, whisk into the simmering sauce.
What’s a good substitute for heavy cream? For a slightly lighter version, half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. Full-fat evaporated milk is another option.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess, as the sauce may separate in the microwave.
Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely. Linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne work well. Choose a shape that holds the creamy sauce effectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp, which makes them tough. Cook just until pink and opaque.
- Adding cheese to a boiling sauce, which can cause it to clump or become grainy. Always remove the pan from heat or simmer very gently.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan from a canister. It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated is best.
- Rinsing the pasta after draining, which removes the starch that helps the sauce adhere.
- Letting the finished pasta sit too long before serving, as the sauce will continue to thicken and absorb into the noodles.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo proves that a decadent, restaurant-worthy meal is entirely achievable in your own kitchen. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you’ll create a consistently perfect dish. Its combination of succulent shrimp, rich sauce, and tender pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With the provided serving tips and FAQs, you’re fully equipped to master this classic. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary effort.