Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
Indulge in this classic Italian-American comfort dish. Tender shrimp and fettuccine pasta are tossed in a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce made from scratch. A restaurant-quality meal ready in under 40 minutes.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil
- a.Add 1 tbsp of salt, then add the fettuccine. Cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Just before draining, reserve 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare and Cook Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season them with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Start the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
- 4
Build the Cream Sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking
- a.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it has thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- 5
Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low
- a.Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, whisking continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the remaining 1 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper, and the ground nutmeg (if using).
- 6
Step 6
- a.Combine and Serve: Add the drained fettuccine and the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently with tongs until the pasta and shrimp are thoroughly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water (1-2 tbsp at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy sauce.
- 2Do not let the sauce boil after adding the cheese, as high heat can cause the dairy to separate and become oily.
- 3The starchy pasta water is a crucial ingredient. It helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and helping it cling to the pasta.
- 4Patting the shrimp dry is essential for getting a good sear. A wet shrimp will steam instead of browning.
- 5Serve Alfredo immediately. The sauce thickens considerably as it cools down.
- 6For a richer flavor, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after cooking the garlic and before adding the cream.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, a handful of fresh spinach, or steamed broccoli florets and add them to the sauce along with the shrimp.
Make it SpicyMake it Spicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a spicy kick.
Change the ProteinChange the Protein
This recipe works wonderfully with seared chicken breast strips or scallops instead of shrimp.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
For a less rich sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Note that the sauce will be thinner and less creamy.
Add a Flavor BoostAdd a Flavor Boost
Stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice and some zest at the very end to brighten up the rich flavors of the sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Shrimp is a fantastic source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Rich in Calcium
The Parmesan cheese and heavy cream provide a significant amount of calcium, a mineral crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Provides Essential Nutrients
Beyond protein, shrimp offers important nutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12, which support thyroid function, antioxidant defense, and red blood cell formation.
Energy Boosting Carbohydrates
The fettuccine pasta serves as a primary source of complex carbohydrates, which your body uses as its main fuel source, providing sustained energy.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo contains approximately 800-1000 calories, primarily from the heavy cream, butter, cheese, and pasta. The exact number can vary based on specific ingredients and portion size.