Description
This Shrimp Alfredo recipe is a creamy and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce, combined with a rich Alfredo cream sauce made with Parmesan cheese. Ready in 30 minutes, it makes a perfect comforting meal for four, blending classic Italian flavors with a quick stovetop cooking method.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- ½ lb. frozen shrimp or fresh, medium-sized (36/40, peeled and deveined)
- â…› tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper freshly cracked, or to taste
Pasta
- ½ lb. fettuccine
- ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water
Sauce
- 2 Tbsp butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Thaw and prepare shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and peel if needed. You can leave the tails on or remove them 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 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
- Thaw shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the Alfredo sauce consistency as needed.
- Do not overcook shrimp; they should turn opaque and pink but remain tender.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor, though this is optional.
