This Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp recipe combines creamy homemade Alfredo sauce with perfectly cooked shrimp, all tossed with rich fettuccine noodles. It’s an easy yet luxurious dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal right at home. You can elevate this dish by adding a side of garlic bread and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish. A perfect comfort food for any occasion!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta

• 2 tbsp butter (divided)

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tbsp flour

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Shrimp: In a non-stick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and almost browned, add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the garlic for about 2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.

4. Make the Alfredo Sauce: Add the flour, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, reduce the heat, and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

5. Add the Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until they are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

6. Toss the Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp to the sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

7. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil and serve with optional garlic bread on the side.

Nutrients (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 540 kcal

• Fat: 30g

  • Saturated Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 4g

• Protein: 35g

• Cholesterol: 160mg

• Sodium: 700mg

• Potassium: 400mg

The Origins of Fettuccine Alfredo

The origins of Fettuccine Alfredo are often debated, but most culinary historians agree that it was created in the early 20th century by Italian restaurateur Alfredo di Lelio in Rome. Originally, it was a simple dish made with fettuccine pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese. It gained popularity when Hollywood stars such as Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks visited Italy and fell in love with the dish, bringing it back to America with them. Over time, the dish evolved, incorporating heavier creams and more cheese, which is the version most familiar to us today. Adding shrimp to the classic Fettuccine Alfredo is a modern twist that enhances the dish with a delightful seafood flavor.

The Perfect Shrimp for Fettuccine Alfredo

When preparing Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp, it’s important to choose high-quality shrimp. Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal for this dish because they cook quickly and allow the flavors of the sauce to shine through. The size of the shrimp is a matter of personal preference, but medium to large shrimp work best in this dish as they provide a perfect balance of texture and flavor without overwhelming the pasta. Shrimp are naturally sweet and tender, and when sautéed briefly in butter, they develop a golden brown crust on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside.

The Creamy Alfredo Sauce: A Perfect Balance

The key to making Fettuccine Alfredo truly luxurious is the homemade Alfredo sauce. While some people might opt for store-bought Alfredo sauce for convenience, making it from scratch is surprisingly easy and allows you to control the flavor and texture. The base of the sauce is heavy cream, which provides the rich, silky texture that Alfredo sauce is known for. When combined with melted butter, minced garlic, and a touch of flour, it creates a thick, luscious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

The combination of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese is what makes the sauce even more indulgent. Parmesan contributes a nutty, salty depth to the flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess and smoothness. The result is a well-balanced sauce that envelops the fettuccine noodles and shrimp in a satisfying, creamy embrace.

How to Cook Fettuccine and Shrimp to Perfection

Cooking the fettuccine noodles is the first step to making this dish, and it’s important to cook them just right. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its ability to hold up to the rich sauce. Follow the package instructions for al dente fettuccine, which means the pasta should still have a slight bite to it. Once cooked, the noodles should be drained but saved a little pasta water for later, as it can help adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.

Cooking the shrimp is another essential part of this recipe. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes per side, so it’s important to avoid overcooking them, as they can become tough and rubbery. Sautéing the shrimp in a hot skillet with a bit of butter gives them a beautiful golden color and enhances their natural sweetness. After cooking, it’s best to set the shrimp aside and add them to the sauce later to prevent them from overcooking.

Enhancing the Flavor Profile with Seasonings

The flavors of Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp can be elevated with the right seasonings. A pinch of black pepper adds warmth and a subtle heat, while a dash of cayenne pepper introduces a touch of spice. These spices balance out the rich creaminess of the Alfredo sauce, creating a more dynamic and interesting flavor profile. Additionally, fresh garlic sautéed in butter adds an aromatic depth that complements both the shrimp and the sauce. Garlic’s fragrance and mild heat enhance the overall dish without overpowering the delicate flavors of the shrimp.

The Role of Cheese in Fettuccine Alfredo

Cheese is the star of any Alfredo sauce, and the combination of Parmesan and mozzarella is essential for creating the right texture and flavor. Parmesan cheese brings a sharp, nutty taste that cuts through the richness of the cream, while mozzarella contributes a milky, stretchy quality that makes the sauce smooth and creamy. These two cheeses work together to create a sauce that is not only creamy but also full of complex flavors. The cheese also helps to thicken the sauce, allowing it to cling to the pasta and shrimp for a satisfying mouthfeel.

Serving Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp

Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp is best served hot and fresh. Once the pasta, shrimp, and sauce are combined, be sure to toss everything thoroughly to ensure each strand of fettuccine is coated with the creamy sauce. For added flavor and visual appeal, garnish the dish with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or basil. These herbs add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce.

To make this meal even more indulgent, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate. Additionally, a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the dish and provide a refreshing contrast.

Nutritional Considerations

While Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp is undeniably a rich and indulgent dish, it can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Each serving provides a good amount of protein from the shrimp, making it a satisfying main course. However, the dish is also high in calories, fats, and sodium, so it’s best to pair it with lighter sides to balance the meal. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie version, you can make a few modifications, such as using less cheese or opting for a lighter cream substitute.

Conclusion

Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp is the epitome of comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s a dish that can easily be prepared at home yet feels special enough for any occasion. The creamy Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with tender shrimp and fettuccine noodles, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. With the right balance of ingredients, seasonings, and techniques, you can recreate the luxury of restaurant-quality cuisine in your own kitchen. Enjoy this delicious dish as part of a perfect meal that brings warmth and joy to the table.