Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta With Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Dreamy Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta with Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Whipping up a delectable shrimp fettuccine with homemade alfredo sauce promises pure culinary magic.

Succulent seafood meets luxurious cream-based goodness in this restaurant-quality meal.

pasta lovers will swoon over each silky, indulgent bite.

Fresh ingredients combine to create something truly spectacular on your dinner plate.

Smooth sauce coats perfectly cooked noodles while plump shrimp add delightful protein punch.

Professional chefs know simple techniques can elevate humble ingredients into extraordinary dishes.

We promise this recipe will become your new favorite weeknight comfort meal.

Shrimp Alfredo – Pasta Night Tips

  • Cook fettuccine just until al dente for the perfect chewy texture that holds sauce beautifully.
  • Remove shrimp from heat immediately when they turn pink to prevent rubbery, overcooked seafood.
  • Use reserved pasta water to thin out Alfredo sauce, ensuring a silky, smooth coating on every noodle.
  • Gradually add Parmesan cheese while continuously whisking to create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
  • Sauté garlic briefly to release aromatic oils without burning, intensifying the overall dish's taste.

Store Leftover Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Easily

  • Store leftover shrimp fettuccine in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Alfredo sauce might separate slightly when thawed, but stirring will help restore texture.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

Fettuccine Matches for Creamy Shrimp Pasta

  • Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy sauce without overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavors. Its subtle citrus notes and balanced acidity will enhance the richness of the Alfredo.
  • Refreshing Side Beverage: Pour a sparkling lemon-infused water or light white wine spritzer to cut through the pasta's creaminess and refresh the palate between bites.
  • Flavor-Boosting Garnish: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy pancetta bits on top to add a delightful crunch and introduce a nutty, savory dimension that elevates the entire dish's texture and taste profile.
  • Herbal Accent: Toss fresh basil or chives over the pasta to introduce a bright, green note that balances the heavy cream sauce and adds a layer of freshness to the shrimp and pasta combination.

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta With Creamy Sauce Variations

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Swap traditional fettuccine with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the creamy texture and flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-intolerant friendly option that still delivers rich, satisfying taste.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute shrimp with roasted cauliflower or sautéed mushrooms, keeping the classic Alfredo sauce and maintaining the dish's creamy, comforting essence.
  • Low-Carb Solution: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash as a pasta replacement, pairing with the original Alfredo sauce and shrimp for a lighter, more nutrient-dense meal.

FAQs

  • Is homemade Alfredo sauce better than store-bought?

Homemade Alfredo sauce offers fresher ingredients, better flavor control, and no preservatives. You can adjust seasoning and thickness precisely to your taste, making it a superior choice compared to pre-made versions.

  • What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium to large-sized shrimp with shells removed work perfectly. Fresh or frozen shrimp are both acceptable, but ensure they’re deveined and cleaned before cooking. Look for wild-caught or responsibly sourced shrimp for best flavor.

  • Can I use a different type of cheese in the Alfredo sauce?

Parmesan is traditional, but you can substitute with Romano or Pecorino cheese. These cheeses have similar sharp, salty profiles that complement the creamy sauce. Just ensure the cheese is freshly grated for optimal melting and flavor.

  • How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from becoming grainy?

Always add cheese gradually and whisk continuously while melting. Use low to medium heat, and remove the pan from direct heat when adding cheese. Room temperature cheese helps create a smoother sauce by preventing sudden temperature changes that cause separation.

Shrimp Fettuccine with Homemade Alfredo That’s Velvety Smooth

  • Quick Weeknight Rescue: Whip up this creamy shrimp pasta in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality meal without complex cooking techniques.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort: Enjoy a luxurious combination of tender shrimp, velvety Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal ingredients.
  • Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping shrimp with chicken, adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual preferences.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses a single pan for cooking shrimp, creating sauce, and combining all ingredients, saving time and reducing dishwashing hassle.

Shrimp Fettuccine with Alfredo Sauce Ingredients

Pasta Base:
  • Fettuccine: Classic long, flat pasta that holds creamy sauces perfectly, best when using fresh or high-quality dried pasta from Italy.
Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood protein that cooks quickly, choose fresh or frozen large shrimp for best texture and flavor.
Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Butter, Parmesan Cheese: Rich dairy ingredients that create smooth, luxurious Alfredo sauce, select full-fat versions for maximum creaminess.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic seasonings that add depth and warmth to the dish, fresh garlic provides more intense flavor compared to pre-minced.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds color and subtle freshness to the final presentation, optional but recommended for visual appeal.

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Cooking Method

Step 1: Boil the Fettuccine

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Carefully drop in the fettuccine and cook it until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Before draining, scoop out a half cup of starchy pasta water – this liquid gold will be your secret weapon later.

Step 2: Sizzle the Shrimp

Warm up a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in the shrimp and minced garlic, giving them a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Let the shrimp dance in the pan for 2-3 minutes on each side until they transform from translucent to a beautiful pink and become perfectly opaque.

Rescue the shrimp from the heat and set them aside.

Step 3: Craft the Velvety Alfredo Sauce

In the same well-seasoned skillet, melt butter until it’s golden and bubbling.

Drop in garlic and let it sizzle for a moment, releasing its aromatic magic.

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly as it begins to simmer.

Let it bubble gently for a few minutes.

Gradually rain in the Parmesan cheese, whisking with purpose until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Slide the cooked fettuccine into the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Toss and twirl until every strand is luxuriously coated.

If the sauce feels a bit too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Reunite the succulent shrimp with the saucy pasta, gently folding them together.

Transfer to warm plates and, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top.

Your creamy shrimp fettuccine is ready to dazzle!

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Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta With Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta With Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent “Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine” elevates classic Italian comfort food with succulent seafood and rich homemade alfredo sauce. Luxurious pasta promises restaurant-quality dining right at home, ensuring delightful flavors in every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dairy and Cream:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter

Pasta and Seasonings:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine pasta
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a generously salted large pot of water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge fettuccine, cooking until al dente while preserving 1/2 cup of starchy liquid before straining.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate temperature. Introduce shrimp and aromatic garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté until shrimp transforms to a vibrant pink and becomes translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer cooked shellfish to a separate plate.
  3. Utilize the identical skillet to melt butter, incorporating minced garlic and allowing it to release its fragrant essence for one minute. Stream heavy cream into the pan, stirring consistently and maintaining a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Gradually integrate Parmesan cheese, whisking methodically until the sauce achieves a silky, uniform texture. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
  5. Introduce drained fettuccine into the creamy sauce, thoroughly coating each strand. Adjust sauce consistency by incorporating reserved pasta water if needed.
  6. Gently fold reserved shrimp into the pasta, ensuring even distribution. Plate immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they are deveined and cleaned properly before cooking.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged to enhance the sauce’s richness and create a smoother, more authentic taste.
  • Control the sauce’s thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, which helps bind the ingredients and prevent the sauce from becoming too heavy or dry.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use less butter to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining a creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 670
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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