Description
This classic Shrimp Alfredo recipe features tender shrimp and fettuccine pasta coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for an easy yet impressive Italian American seafood dinner, this stovetop dish combines buttery garlic sauce with perfectly cooked shrimp and pasta for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper evenly. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the hot skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
- Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese along with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the Alfredo sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to desired consistency.
- Combine shrimp and pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the shrimp are warmed through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Shrimp Alfredo immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and a smooth sauce texture.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water or a little extra cream to thin it out.
- Add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms to include more vegetables and variation.
