Description
This Shrimp Alfredo recipe features succulent shrimp cooked to perfection and tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce served over tender fettuccine pasta. It’s a classic Italian-American dish that’s indulgent yet simple to prepare, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound raw shrimp (fully thawed, peeled, and deveined)
- Salt and black pepper, to season
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
Alfredo Sauce
- 5 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink, lightly golden, and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Create a roux: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a smooth roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Add cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking to keep the sauce smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Incorporate cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.
- Combine shrimp and garnish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamier texture and better flavor.
- To prevent overcooked shrimp, cook them until just pink and opaque.
- Reserve pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly without thinning flavor.
- Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness but is optional.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Shrimp Alfredo, Shrimp Pasta, Fettuccine Alfredo, Creamy Pasta, Italian Dinner, Quick Shrimp Recipe
