Name: CREAMY SHRIMP FETTUCCINE PASTA WITH HOMEMADE ALFREDO SAUCE Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces fettuccine pasta; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 18 reviews

There’s simply nothing like a plate of CREAMY SHRIMP FETTUCCINE PASTA WITH HOMEMADE ALFREDO SAUCE to transport you straight to Italian comfort food heaven! Imagine tender, perfectly cooked shrimp nestled atop velvety fettuccine ribbons, all wrapped up in a luscious, made-from-scratch Alfredo sauce that puts any restaurant version to shame. This recipe brings together everything I love about cozy, effortless meals: it’s elegant enough to impress but approachable enough for a relaxed weeknight. Plus, it all comes together in just 30 minutes—delivering bold, creamy flavors your whole table will rave about.

CREAMY SHRIMP FETTUCCINE PASTA WITH HOMEMADE ALFREDO SAUCE Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of CREAMY SHRIMP FETTUCCINE PASTA WITH HOMEMADE ALFREDO SAUCE lies in its simplicity—every ingredient is thoughtfully selected to create a luxurious, memorable dish. From rich Parmesan cheese to juicy shrimp, each one plays a starring role, so let’s highlight their magic!

Fettuccine Pasta: The broad, sturdy strands hold up perfectly to the creamy sauce and give this pasta its classic character.
Large Shrimp: Opt for fresh or well-thawed frozen, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the sweetest sea flavor and the best texture.
Olive Oil: Adds subtle fruitiness while ensuring your shrimp get that beautiful, golden sear in the pan.
Salt and Pepper: Simple, yet crucial—seasoning brings out the full flavor of your shrimp and sauce.
Butter: Rich butter lays the foundation for a silky smooth Alfredo that’ll cling to every bite.
Heavy Cream: This is the secret to the unbelievable creaminess that makes this pasta utterly crave-worthy.
Garlic: Just a hint, minced and cooked until fragrant, wakes up all those creamy, cheesy flavors.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Don’t skimp here—real Parmesan melts best and delivers that signature Alfredo flavor.
Chopped Parsley: Sprinkled on top, fresh parsley gives the dish a pop of color and a nice herbal finish.

How to Make CREAMY SHRIMP FETTUCCINE PASTA WITH HOMEMADE ALFREDO SAUCE

Step 1: Boil the Fettuccine

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your fettuccine. Cooking the pasta to al dente sets the stage for everything else—the pasta will continue absorbing sauce and soften to perfection later. Once it’s ready, drain and set aside (don’t forget to reserve a splash of that starchy pasta water for later, in case you want to thin out your sauce).

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Time for the seafood star of your CREAMY SHRIMP FETTUCCINE PASTA WITH HOMEMADE ALFREDO SAUCE. Pat your shrimp dry, then season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just opaque in the center. Scoop them out and set aside so they stay perfectly tender.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Don’t wipe out your skillet—those little browned bits left behind from the shrimp add flavor! Lower the heat to medium and melt your butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant (but don’t let it burn). Pour in the heavy cream, letting it come to a gentle simmer, then slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese. As it melts, you’ll see the Alfredo sauce become irresistibly creamy—just what you want for this dish.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now, add the cooked shrimp and drained fettuccine right into the pan with your Alfredo sauce. Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and shrimp are luxuriously coated. Let it all warm through for another 2-3 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, a taste of reserved pasta water will loosen it up without sacrificing flavor.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Just before serving, sprinkle that vibrant parsley over the top. This final touch makes your CREAMY SHRIMP FETTUCCINE PASTA WITH HOMEMADE ALFREDO SAUCE look as tempting as it tastes. Serve hot and watch how quickly it disappears!

How to Serve CREAMY SHRIMP FETTUCCINE PASTA WITH HOMEMADE ALFREDO SAUCE

Garnishes

A finishing shower of fresh chopped parsley is classic for CREAMY SHRIMP FETTUCCINE PASTA WITH HOMEMADE ALFREDO SAUCE. For even more flavor and flair, try a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a twist of black pepper, or delicate lemon zest for citrusy notes that really brighten up the dish.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines as the star of the show, but I absolutely LOVE serving it with garlicky roasted broccoli, crisp Caesar salad, or a warm basket of garlic bread to mop up all that dreamy Alfredo sauce. Light veggies or a tangy salad help balance the richness for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special twist, twirl mounds of fettuccine onto each plate with tongs, artistically arranging the shrimp on top. Serve it in shallow pasta bowls with a wedge of lemon on the side, or for family style, pile everything high on a big platter and let everyone scoop their own. Either way, this CREAMY SHRIMP FETTUCCINE PASTA WITH HOMEMADE ALFREDO SAUCE makes a gorgeous centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (lucky you!), transfer your CREAMY SHRIMP FETTUCCINE PASTA WITH HOMEMADE ALFREDO SAUCE to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of serving. Stored like this, it’ll keep deliciously for up to 2 days—the shrimp stay plump, and the sauce remains flavorful.

Freezing

Although creamy sauces often separate after freezing, CREAMY SHRIMP FETTUCCINE PASTA WITH HOMEMADE ALFREDO SAUCE can be frozen in a pinch. Place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. For best texture, thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating; expect the sauce may need to be whisked back to creaminess as it warms.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-pan texture, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream. Stir frequently and just until hot—this will keep the sauce smooth and prevent the shrimp from overcooking. Microwaving works, but take care to use short bursts and stir in between for even reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

You can, but freshly cooked raw shrimp really make a difference in flavor and texture. If using pre-cooked, add them at the very end just to warm through—don’t overcook, or they’ll become rubbery.

What’s the best way to grate Parmesan for Alfredo sauce?

Freshly grated Parmesan is key—use a microplane or fine grater so it melts smoothly into the sauce. Pre-shredded cheese can be coated in anti-caking agents, which makes the sauce less creamy.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

Absolutely! Swap half-and-half for heavy cream, or reduce the butter slightly to suit your taste. While these changes create a slightly lighter sauce, you still get the lovely velvety texture the dish is known for.

Can I substitute another pasta shape?

While fettuccine is classic, you’re welcome to use linguine, spaghetti, or even penne if that’s what’s in your pantry. Just look for a shape that holds creamy sauces well to enjoy every bit of flavor.

I’m out of parsley—any garnishing tips?

No problem! Try finely chopped fresh basil, a quick sprinkle of chives, or even baby arugula leaves. You could even use a dusting of paprika or chili flakes for a spicy twist on CREAMY SHRIMP FETTUCCINE PASTA WITH HOMEMADE ALFREDO SAUCE.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something truly satisfying and just a bit indulgent, you can’t go wrong with CREAMY SHRIMP FETTUCCINE PASTA WITH HOMEMADE ALFREDO SAUCE. It’s the ultimate treat-yourself dinner, guaranteed to win over anyone lucky enough to grab a forkful. Invite some friends, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy every rich, creamy bite!