Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

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Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is decadent and creamy. Shrimp is simmered in a garlicky cream sauce and tossed with fettuccine pasta in this easy weeknight meal.

Whether you are looking for the perfect decadent pasta to make for your next date night or you want a quick and easy dinner for a weeknight, this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo fits the bill. It is easy enough to throw together when you’re short on time, but it is also rich, creamy and fancy enough for date night.

Alfredo is one of my favorite sauces to make, whether it’s a classic Easy Alfredo, Roasted Garlic Alfredo or Mushroom Broccoli Alfredo, it is always a hit with kiddos and adults alike. It probably has something to do with all that butter, cream and cheese that makes this sauce a fan favorite.

Let’s talk about what you need to make it.

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Ingredients:

• BUTTER: You can use unsalted or salted. If you use salted, you likely won’t need to add additional salt as Parmesan cheese is also salty.
• HEAVY CREAM: Where the creamy, richness of the sauce comes from. Make sure you use heavy whipping cream not whipping cream (or milk or half in half). Heavy cream has a higher fat content.
• GARLIC: I love lots of garlic flavor in my Alfredo so this recipe calls for 6 cloves. It sounds like a lot but it is the perfect amount for this recipe.
• PARMESAN CHEESE: For the best taste and texture, you are going to want to grate your own parmesan cheese for this recipe. It will melt better into your sauce.
• NUTMEG: A little goes a long way! Just a sprinkle will add a lovely background flavor to the Alfredo sauce.
• MEDIUM SHRIMP: Use medium 26 – 30 count shrimp for this recipe. To learn how to prep it, check out my guide for how to peel and devein shrimp .
• FETTUCCINE PASTA: Fettuccine is traditional with Alfredo pasta but you can use whatever pasta you prefer. Linguine is also good or if you prefer shorter pasta, try a penne.
• SALT AND PEPPER
• PARSLEY: For garnish, completely optional.

Step by Step Photos and Instructions:

Making an Alfredo sauce is easy! Follow along with these step by step photos and instructions.

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• STEP #1: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain (reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water).
• STEP #2: While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a very large skillet or saucepan (one that can fit the pasta). Add garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• STEP #3: Whisk in the cream and heat over medium heat just until it starts steaming. Whisk in the cheese, one handful at a time, waiting until the cheese melts before adding more. This will help make sure the sauce is smooth. Stir in nutmeg.
• STEP #4: Add in peeled and deveined shrimp. Stir to coat in the sauce and simmer until shrimp is cooked through. This should take 3 – 5 minutes.
• STEP #5: Add pasta to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Turn off heat and allow to set 5 minutes. Toss once more. If the sauce is too dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley, serve immediately with more parmesan cheese.

Storage and Leftovers:

This is best eaten the day that it is made as the Alfredo sauce tends to separate when it is reheated. That said, it will last a day or two in the refrigerator, simply reheat until warmed through but the noodles will be more buttery than creamy.

Recipe FAQ:

I love to serve this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo with a salad and my Easy Garlic Bread or Garlic Breadsticks.

Want more shrimp recipes? You’ve got to try these.

Shrimp Linguine with Zucchini and Tomatoes is my absolute favorite summer meal.

Need a Taco Tuesday recipe? Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sour Cream are our favorite!

Shrimp Curry is a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Serve over rice!