Imagine twirling your fork into a luxurious plate of perfectly cooked fettuccine, draped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, studded with succulent pink shrimp that practically melt in your mouth. This isn't just another pasta dish - this is a restaurant-quality Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're looking to impress a date, treat your family, or simply indulge in a decadent meal, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add fettuccine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low.
- Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear and prevent watery sauce
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce
- Don't overcook the shrimp - they should be just pink and slightly curled
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency if needed
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil
- Use high-quality heavy cream for the richest, most luxurious Alfredo sauce
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 441kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 23g
Cholesterol: mg
