Description
This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish made in the comfort of your own home. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in garlic and tossed with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, then mixed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
- Once melted, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir continuously.
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Return shrimp to the pan and gently mix.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Pasta Substitutes: You can use linguine, spaghetti, or penne instead of fettuccine.
- Shrimp Options: Use fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed). For added flavor, try grilling instead of sautéing.
- Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water. If too thin, let it simmer longer.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a bit of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s texture.
- Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning for a bold kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American