Description
This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with garlicky, buttery shrimp and silky fettuccine coated in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s easy to make, comes together in just 30 minutes, and tastes even better than a restaurant-style dish!
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Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta – The perfect noodle for Alfredo sauce.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined – Medium or large shrimp work best.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the shrimp.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds bold, garlicky flavor.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds subtle warmth and color.
For the Alfredo sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – For richness.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream – The base of the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for incredible flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs for extra depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a touch of heat.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Adjust according to preference.
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved) – Helps create a smooth sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir, letting it warm up for 2 minutes (do not boil).
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.
- Add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, if needed.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Add cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently mix.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – They cook quickly, so remove them once they turn pink.
- Adjust the Thickness – Add pasta water to thin the sauce or more Parmesan to thicken it.
- Try Different Proteins – Swap shrimp for chicken, salmon, or tofu.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-American