Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Delight

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Welcome to your new favorite pasta dish — Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Delight! This recipe is all about simplicity meeting indulgence, with juicy shrimp nestled in a rich, creamy sauce that clings to every strand of fettuccine. Perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in.

Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Delight

The key to this dish is starting with quality ingredients. Fettuccine pasta is the classic choice for Alfredo, providing the perfect texture and surface for the sauce to cling to. Use large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for a succulent, tender bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish, while freshly minced garlic brings a fragrant, savory depth. The heavy cream forms the base of the sauce, giving it that luxurious, silky texture, and grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory flavor that’s absolutely essential. A touch of ground black pepper and salt enhances the flavors, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
  • If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your liking.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy shrimp Alfredo pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal. A light, zesty vinaigrette on the salad helps cut through the richness of the pasta. For a beverage, a chilled glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors nicely without overpowering them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet.
Can I substitute the cream for a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be less creamy. You might need to add a bit more cheese to achieve a thicker consistency.

Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking your fettuccine pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions, and aim for a perfect al dente texture — firm to the bite but cooked through. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.

Next, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Melt the unsalted butter until it sizzles slightly, then add your minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden. This step is crucial for building the base flavors of the dish.

Add your shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside — this ensures they don’t overcook and become rubbery.

Now, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in the heavy cream. Slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Don’t rush this step; let the cheese melt naturally into the cream for a perfect consistency.

Return the shrimp to the skillet, and season the mixture with salt and ground black pepper. Toss everything to coat the shrimp evenly with the creamy sauce.

Finally, add your cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Gently mix everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the Alfredo sauce. This is where the magic happens, as every strand of pasta gets enveloped in creamy goodness.

Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bit of color and freshness, and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade culinary masterpiece!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes.
  • No need for fancy ingredients; everything's available at your local grocery store.
  • Rich and creamy without being too heavy, thanks to the perfect balance of cream and cheese.
  • Customizable — add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to low, add heavy cream, and gently stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat in the Alfredo sauce.
6. Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet and gently mix until pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!