Experience a luxurious take on classic Italian comfort food with this Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta. Tender shrimp meet perfectly cooked fettuccine, all enveloped in a rich, garlic-infused Alfredo sauce that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular. Loved worldwide for its decadence and velvety texture, this recipe combines authentic flavors with an easy-to-make creamy sauce that turns any meal into a special occasion.
Why This Dish Works
The magic of this dish lies in the balance of textures and flavors. The chewy fettuccine noodles provide a perfect base, while succulent shrimp add a satisfying bite. The homemade Alfredo sauce — made from butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese — ties it all together with a smooth, indulgent finish. This dish is both elegant and comforting, ideal for dinner parties or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta — provides a hearty, chewy texture perfect for holding sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined — juicy and flavorful seafood centerpiece
- 1 tbsp olive oil — for sautéing shrimp to perfection
- Salt and pepper, to taste — seasoning essentials
- ¼ cup butter — adds richness to the sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream — creates the creamy, luscious Alfredo base
- 1 clove garlic, minced — infuses the sauce with aromatic depth
- 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese — melts into a savory, nutty sauce
- ¼ cup chopped parsley — fresh garnish to brighten the dish
Dietary tip: For lactose intolerance, swap heavy cream for lactose-free alternatives, and use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Cook the pasta: Boil the fettuccine in salted water until al dente (firm to the bite), about 8 minutes. Drain and reserve some pasta water for later use.
- Sauté the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (avoid browning). Slowly pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan, allowing it to melt smoothly into the cream. Stir continuously to prevent lumps.
- Combine shrimp and pasta: Return shrimp to the skillet, then add the cooked fettuccine. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while warm.
Expert Tips for Perfection
- Pasta texture: Cook pasta just right—al dente—so it retains a slight bite once mixed with sauce.
- Shrimp prep: Use fresh, large shrimp if possible; dry them well before cooking for a nice sear.
- Smooth sauce: Add cheese gradually and keep the sauce warm but not boiling to prevent separation.
- Season carefully: Parmesan adds saltiness, so adjust seasoning at the end.
- Garnishing: Fresh parsley adds color and cuts through the richness; a squeeze of lemon juice can add a bright touch.
Nutrition Snapshot (per serving)
- Calories: ~650
- Fat: 11g (6g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 29g
- Sodium: 281mg
- Fiber: 3g
Swap ingredients as needed for lower calories or dietary restrictions—try light cream, vegetable noodles, or dairy-free alternatives.
Variations to Try
- Veggie boost: Add spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrients and color.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free fettuccine for those avoiding gluten.
- Dairy-free: Replace cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
- Alternate proteins: Chicken or salmon can substitute shrimp for variety.
- Low-carb: Spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash can replace pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: Yes, but add them last just to warm through to avoid rubberiness.
Q: How do I adjust the sauce thickness?
A: Simmer longer or add more Parmesan for thickness; add reserved pasta water or cream to thin.
Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Use light cream or half-and-half and reduce cheese, plus add more veggies for fiber.
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful shrimp pasta as a delicious way to bring a taste of Italy to your table — perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.