Description
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender, juicy shrimp with a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it feels fancy yet is incredibly easy to make. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table!
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Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp
- Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to combine.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta to serving plates.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: This ensures a smooth sauce without any graininess.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: Use reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Choose the Right Pasta: Fettuccine is classic, but you can also use linguine, spaghetti, or even penne.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-American