Description
A rich and creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo recipe that combines tender shrimp with freshly cooked fettuccine pasta, enveloped in a luscious Parmesan and cream cheese sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish can be quickly prepared on the stovetop and optionally finished under the broiler for a cheesy golden top.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 20-25 pieces)
- 300 grams fresh fettuccine pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (from an 8 oz package)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon salt flakes (to taste)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Topping
- 1/3 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped (optional for the bake)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta along with 1 teaspoon of salt and cook until al dente, approximately 3 minutes. Drain the pasta without rinsing to preserve starches that help the sauce adhere.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn orange and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet if preferred, or leave in for next steps.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic, finely chopped onions, and parsley to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant.
- Create the Sauce Base: Stir in 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/2 cup cream cheese, and 1 cup heavy whipping cream. Cook and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Thicken and Flavor the Sauce: Mix in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss well to coat the noodles evenly with the Alfredo sauce. Season with salt flakes to taste, stirring gently.
- Optional Baking Step: If desired, transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped fresh mozzarella cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh fettuccine for best texture; dried pasta may require longer cooking times.
- Adjust salt flakes carefully as the Parmesan and cream cheese add saltiness.
- The optional broiling step adds a delightful cheesy crust but can be skipped for a quicker meal.
- Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.