Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a perfect blend of flavors—creamy, cheesy, and slightly garlicky with perfectly cooked shrimp that add a satisfying touch to the dish. The homemade Alfredo sauce is so smooth and rich, and the shrimp are tender and flavorful. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a cozy dinner for yourself, this dish is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup unsalted butter

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the Fettuccine: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later use.

Cook the Shrimp:

  1. Sauté the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Make the Alfredo Sauce:

  1. Melt the Butter and Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  2. Add the Cream and Nutmeg: Pour in the heavy cream and add a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Simmer gently, stirring continuously, for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

  3. Add the Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.

Combine and Serve:

  1. Mix the Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently fold them into the Alfredo sauce. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.

  2. Season to Taste: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

  3. Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep time is about 10 minutes, cooking time is 20 minutes, and the total time is about 30 minutes, making it a quick and delicious dinner option for any day of the week.

Variations

This Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta can be easily customized:

  • Add veggies: Toss in spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

  • Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.

  • Different seafood: Swap the shrimp for scallops, lobster, or even grilled chicken if preferred.

  • Lighter sauce: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover them to keep the moisture in.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat them and cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but be careful not to overcook them when reheating. Add them to the sauce just long enough to warm through.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular fettuccine to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! If you don’t have fettuccine, try penne, linguine, or rigatoni for a similar effect.

How can I make the Alfredo sauce lighter?

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat Parmesan. You can also reduce the amount of butter and cheese for a healthier twist.

Conclusion

This Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta with Homemade Alfredo Sauce is the perfect blend of rich and creamy flavors with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting, indulgent dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re craving a classic creamy pasta or something a little more indulgent, this dish will not disappoint!

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Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta with Homemade Alfredo Sauce

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  • Author: Mia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
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Description

This rich and creamy fettuccine is tossed with garlic Alfredo sauce and succulent shrimp—an easy, elegant dinner perfect for seafood lovers.

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup unsalted butter

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Cook fettuccine: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente (8–10 min); reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.

Sauté shrimp: Heat olive oil over medium heat, season shrimp with salt and pepper, cook 2–3 min per side until pink; remove and set aside.

Melt butter & garlic: Reduce heat to low, melt butter in the skillet, add garlic, cook until fragrant (~30 sec).

Build Alfredo sauce: Pour in cream and nutmeg; simmer 3–4 min until thickened. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth; thin with reserved pasta water if needed.

Combine pasta & shrimp: Return shrimp to skillet, add fettuccine, and toss until fully coated. Adjust seasoning.

Serve & garnish: Plate immediately; top with parsley, black pepper, and lemon wedges as desired.

Notes

Add color and nutrients with spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms.

Spice it up with red pepper flakes or cayenne.

Swap shrimp for scallops, chicken, or lobster.

Lighten it by using half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of full cream.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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