Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta is a luxurious, comforting dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table. Featuring tender shrimp, silky fettuccine noodles, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan, this recipe is a decadent twist on classic Italian fare. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this creamy shrimp pasta is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The pasta provides a hearty base, the shrimp adds a savory bite, and the Alfredo sauce ties everything together with velvety richness. It’s easy to make, customizable for different diets, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish plays an important role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture:
- Fettuccine pasta – 8 oz, cooked al dente for the best bite
- Large shrimp – 1 lb, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp, for sautéing
- Salt and pepper – to season the shrimp and adjust the sauce
- Butter – ¼ cup, forms the base of the sauce
- Heavy cream – 1 cup, for that signature Alfredo creaminess
- Garlic – 1 clove, minced
- Parmesan cheese – 1½ cups, freshly grated for optimal melt and flavor
- Fresh parsley – ¼ cup, chopped, for garnish and freshness
Tip: For dietary adjustments, substitute gluten-free pasta or use lactose-free cream as needed. These changes won’t compromise the flavor or integrity of the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil the fettuccine in salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low.
4. Stir in Parmesan and Shrimp
Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Return the shrimp to the pan and stir to coat with sauce.
5. Combine and Serve
Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every strand in the creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Pasta perfection: Always salt your pasta water generously and don’t overcook—al dente texture holds up better in sauce.
- Searing shrimp: Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a golden sear.
- Creamy sauce success: Add Parmesan slowly over low heat to prevent clumping.
- Finishing touches: A squeeze of lemon juice or crack of black pepper before serving adds brightness and balance.
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~650 kcal
- Fat: 11g (6g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 29g
- Sodium: 281mg
- Fiber: 3g
To lighten things up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce cheese slightly, or add more veggies like spinach or broccoli.
Easy Variations to Try
- Vegetable Alfredo: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a veggie boost.
- Protein swaps: Use chicken or salmon instead of shrimp.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of dairy.
- Low-carb twist: Swap fettuccine for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta for an allergy-friendly version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of shrimp should I use?
A: Large, fresh shrimp work best. Frozen shrimp are fine—just thaw and dry thoroughly before cooking.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: Yes, but add them at the end just to warm through. Overcooking pre-cooked shrimp can make them rubbery.
Q: How do I fix a sauce that’s too thick or thin?
A: Add reserved pasta water or cream to thin it. For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add a touch more Parmesan.
Q: Can I make this dish healthier?
A: Definitely! Use lighter cream, reduce cheese, and load up on veggies to cut calories while keeping it delicious.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of bold flavor and timeless Italian technique. With just a few quality ingredients and simple steps, you can create a dish that feels special every time. Whether served at a dinner party or a quiet night at home, this creamy, savory pasta is sure to become a favorite.
Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta with Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water. - Sauté the shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside. - Make the Alfredo sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low. - Add Parmesan and shrimp
Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually, mixing until smooth and melted. Return shrimp to the skillet and coat with sauce. - Combine and serve
Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss to combine. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.