If you have a craving for a luscious, cozy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you are going to adore this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of tender shrimp, creamy Alfredo sauce, and silky fettuccine noodles coming together in under 30 minutes to create an elegant yet comforting meal. This recipe effortlessly combines rich parmesan cheese, a touch of nutmeg, and the freshness of garlic and butter to bring a restaurant-worthy dinner right into your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites to prepare again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe lies in its straightforward, simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering flavor, texture, and that irresistible creamy finish. From fresh shrimp to the perfect seasoning and creamy cheese, every element works in harmony to create a dish that’s both accessible and impressive.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing shrimp and garlic while adding depth to the sauce.
- 16 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender, juicy shrimp that cook quickly and complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory punch that lifts the entire dish.
- 16 ounces chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base that cooks the noodles and enriches the sauce.
- 8 ounces whole milk: Brings creaminess while keeping the sauce smooth and luscious.
- 8 ounces fettuccine noodles, dry: Classic pasta that holds the sauce perfectly with its wide ribbons.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the noodles and enhancing all other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right touch of spice to balance the creaminess.
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg: A subtle, warm note that subtly elevates the Alfredo sauce’s flavor profile.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that makes the Alfredo sauce irresistibly cheesy and smooth.
- 4 ounces heavy cream: Ensures richness and the perfect silky texture for the sauce.
How to Make Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by heating two tablespoons of butter in a sauté pan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is slightly sizzling, add the large shrimp. Cook them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and are cooked through. This step doesn’t take long, so keep a close eye on your shrimp to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery. Once done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside to keep their delicate flavor intact.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Now, with the wonderful shrimp flavor still lingering in the pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic just until it becomes fragrant, which goes quickly and infuses the sauce with an inviting aroma. Next, pour in both the chicken broth and whole milk. Add in your dry fettuccine noodles along with the kosher salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cover the pan and let everything simmer gently for about 11 minutes. This method cooks the noodles right in the sauce, allowing them to soak up all those delightful flavors while the liquid reduces beautifully.
Step 3: Finish the Dish
To finish, stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and heavy cream, mixing thoroughly to combine into a smooth and creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss gently, ensuring each piece is coated with the Alfredo goodness. Take the dish off the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This notch of patience allows the sauce to thicken slightly and lets the flavors meld into that rich, decadent blend you’re about to enjoy.
How to Serve Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
To add a burst of color and extra flavor, consider garnishing your Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe with freshly chopped parsley or basil. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese and a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper can also jazz up the presentation and taste. For a little zing, a drizzle of lemon juice or some lemon zest on top complements the shrimp beautifully and brightens the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Alfredo. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce on your plate. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans make for colorful, nutritious companions that balance the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider serving your Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe in individual shallow bowls or elegant pasta plates to showcase those beautiful wide ribbons of pasta and pink shrimp. You can also create a layered pasta bake by transferring everything to a casserole dish, topping with extra parmesan, and broiling for just a few minutes to get a golden crust on top. Either way, the presentation will impress and invite eager appetites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, let the Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days. This makes it a great dish to prepare in advance for quick reheating and enjoyment later in the week.
Freezing
While creamy pasta dishes don’t always freeze perfectly because of the dairy, you can freeze this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for the best taste. When thawing, do so slowly in the fridge overnight to maintain texture as much as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftover Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of milk or chicken broth can help loosen the sauce and keep everything creamy. Avoid microwaving at high heat as it can dry out the shrimp and pasta.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking, so they sear nicely and don’t add excess moisture to the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
While traditionally made creamy with butter, cream, and cheese, you can substitute with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast. The texture and flavor will be different but still delicious.
Can I use other types of pasta instead of fettuccine?
Yes, you can use linguine, tagliatelle, or even spaghetti; however, fettuccine’s wide, flat shape is best for holding the rich Alfredo sauce. Thinner pastas may not coat as well.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Letting the dish rest off the heat as instructed helps thicken the sauce. You can also add a small slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with water during cooking, but be careful to avoid lumps.
Is nutmeg necessary in this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe?
Nutmeg is a classic ingredient in Alfredo sauce because it adds warmth and complexity, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can omit it. The sauce will still taste rich and lovely without it.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve uncovered all the secrets to making a truly decadent Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and enjoy the process. This dish is such a joy to cook and even more delightful to eat, bringing comfort and satisfaction with every creamy, cheesy bite. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a meal to impress guests, you’re going to love how effortlessly elegant this pasta becomes in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved classic in your culinary collection.
Print
Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo recipe features tender, sautéed shrimp combined with creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked fettuccine noodles. Made in one pan, it’s a quick and comforting Italian-American classic, ready in just 30 minutes — ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 16 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails removed
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces chicken broth
- 8 ounces whole milk
- 8 ounces dry fettuccine noodles
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the large shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté briefly until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then pour in the chicken broth and whole milk. Add the dry fettuccine noodles along with kosher salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cover the pan and let it simmer for approximately 11 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream into the pan, mixing thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss gently to combine. Remove from heat and let the dish sit for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce and allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Simmering the pasta in the sauce allows the noodles to absorb maximum flavor.
- Letting the dish rest off heat helps the sauce thicken naturally.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
