Description
This classic Shrimp Alfredo recipe features tender shrimp tossed with fettuccine pasta in a rich and creamy homemade Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a comforting yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- ½ lb. frozen shrimp or fresh, medium-sized (36/40, peeled and deveined)
Pasta
- ½ lb. fettuccine
Sauce
- 2 Tbsp butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- â…› tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly cracked, or to taste
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Thaw and prepare shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and peel if needed, leaving tails on or removing according to preference. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until tender, about 7-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain in a colander.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, swirl to coat the pan, then add the shrimp. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until shrimp turn opaque and pink, being careful not to overcook. Remove shrimp to a clean bowl, reserving any juices.
- Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low, add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet along with the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and whisk, scraping up any browned bits. Bring the cream to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan and season: Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and melted. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta, shrimp, and sauce: Return the drained pasta and cooked shrimp (including any accumulated liquid) to the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen it to the desired consistency.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Reserve pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency and helps it cling to the pasta better.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated for a smoother sauce.
- This dish can be made with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- For a lighter version, reduce butter and heavy cream quantities or substitute with half-and-half, but traditional Alfredo is rich and creamy.
