Silky Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta with Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Pasta nights reach new heights with this creamy shrimp fettuccine that promises pure indulgence.

Succulent shrimp dance through silky strands of tender pasta, creating a luxurious dining experience.

Homemade alfredo sauce brings rich, velvety goodness to every single bite.

Weeknight dinners transform into gourmet moments with this simple yet elegant recipe.

Each forkful combines delicate seafood with dreamy, cheesy sauce that melts effortlessly.

Restaurant-quality comfort emerges right from your own kitchen, without complicated techniques or endless ingredients.

You’ll savor every decadent, creamy spoonful of this irresistible shrimp pasta masterpiece.

Why Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Is a Seafood Dream

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up a deliciously rich pasta dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden cravings or unexpected dinner guests with minimal preparation.
• One-Skillet Dish: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for the entire cooking process, making this recipe a dream for busy home cooks who want delectable results without extensive dishwashing.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Delight both kids and adults with a creamy, flavorful pasta that combines tender shrimp and a silky Parmesan sauce, ensuring everyone at the table feels excited about dinner.

Ingredients for Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

• Fettuccine Pasta: Smooth, long ribbons of Italian pasta.
• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood protein.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and nutty Italian cheese.

• Heavy Cream: Rich and velvety dairy base.
• Butter: Creamy and smooth flavor enhancer.
• Garlic: Aromatic and pungent seasoning.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic flavor boosters.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil for sautéing.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright and fresh herb topping.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water following package directions.

Once tender, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.

Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sprinkle shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the hot pan.

Cook until shrimp turn a vibrant pink and become opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic and lightly golden, stirring continuously to prevent burning.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream

Stir consistently until the sauce becomes smooth and the cheese completely melts.

Step 5: Combine and Warm Ingredients

Return shrimp to the skillet and add cooked fettuccine.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated with the luxurious Alfredo sauce.

Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes to warm through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Smart Tips for Homemade Alfredo Sauce

• Choose fresh, deveined large or jumbo shrimp for maximum flavor and tender texture.
• Stir Parmesan gradually and keep heat low to prevent sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.
• Cook shrimp precisely 2-3 minutes per side to avoid rubbery, overcooked seafood.
• Swap regular fettuccine with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for dietary alternatives.
• Add red pepper flakes or fresh lemon zest for an extra burst of brightness and complexity.

How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Fettuccine

• Store leftover creamy shrimp fettuccine in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore sauce's creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent shrimp from overcooking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Consume reheated pasta within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture. Discard if sauce separates or shrimp smells off.

What to Serve with Creamy Shrimp Pasta

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce, cutting through its richness with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Create Garlic Bruschetta Starter: Toast crusty Italian bread with garlic and olive oil as a perfect appetizer that echoes the pasta's garlic undertones and provides a crunchy contrast to the soft, creamy pasta.
• Match Citrus Salad Side: Prepare a light lemon-dressed mixed green salad with arugula and herbs to balance the heavy cream sauce, adding a zesty, fresh element that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Select Buttery Chardonnay: Choose an oak-aged chardonnay with buttery notes that harmonize with the Alfredo's richness, enhancing the dish's creamy texture and delicate shrimp flavors.

Variations on Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

• Gluten-Free Pasta Swap: Replace traditional fettuccine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alfredo Alternative: Substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast to create a creamy, lactose-free sauce that maintains rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the delicious shrimp and sauce components intact.
• Plant-Based Protein Transformation: Replace shrimp with sautéed tofu or tempeh cubes, seasoned similarly, to offer a vegetarian protein option that complements the creamy sauce.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this creamy shrimp fettuccine is not spicy. It’s a mild, rich pasta with classic Alfredo flavors. However, you can add red pepper flakes if you want some heat.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they brown nicely and don’t release excess water in the skillet.

• How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so cook just until they change color, about 2-3 minutes per side.

• Can I substitute Parmesan cheese?

You can use similar hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or aged Asiago. These will provide a similar salty, tangy flavor to the Alfredo sauce. Just ensure the cheese melts smoothly.

Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta with Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy shrimp fettuccine pasta with homemade alfredo sauce delivers Italian comfort straight to your kitchen. Luxurious marine flavors and silky sauce combine for an elegant dinner that promises restaurant-quality indulgence right at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine pasta
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare fettuccine according to package guidelines, ensuring pasta reaches al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high temperature. Carefully season seafood with kosher salt and cracked pepper.
3. Sear succulent shrimp in hot skillet, cooking each side until they transform into a vibrant pink hue and become translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes. Transfer cooked shellfish to a separate plate.
4. Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat to medium and introduce butter. Allow it to melt smoothly, then add minced garlic, stirring until aromatic and golden.
5. Pour rich heavy cream into the skillet, allowing mixture to gently simmer. Lower heat and gradually incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until sauce becomes silky and uniform.
6. Reintroduce seared shrimp into the creamy sauce. Add reserved fettuccine and delicately fold ingredients together, ensuring every strand gets lavishly coated with Alfredo sauce.
7. Warm the entire combination for an additional 2-3 minutes, guaranteeing all components reach optimal serving temperature.
8. Finish the dish by sprinkling finely chopped fresh parsley across the top, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the creamy pasta.

Notes

• Always salt pasta water generously to enhance the base flavor of the entire dish.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden sear without releasing excess moisture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for smoother melting and richer taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream and use less butter to reduce overall calories without compromising creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 240 mg