Description
A creamy and indulgent Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo featuring tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and onions, tossed in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce made from Parmesan, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish can be served classic or baked with mozzarella for an extra cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 20-25 pieces)
- 300 grams fresh fettuccine pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (from an 8 oz package)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon salt flakes (to taste)
Optional Topping
- 1/3 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped (optional for the bake)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add fresh fettuccine pasta along with 1 teaspoon salt and cook until al dente, approximately 3 minutes. Drain the pasta but do not rinse to preserve starch for the sauce.
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until they turn orange and are just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, finely chopped onions, and parsley to the skillet. Continue cooking until the onions become soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Create Sauce Base: Stir in the melted butter, cream cheese, and heavy whipping cream. Cook and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and combined, about 2 minutes.
- Thicken Sauce: Mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ground black pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the creamy shrimp Alfredo sauce. Season with salt flakes to taste.
- Bake (Optional): For a baked version, transfer the pasta and shrimp mixture to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle chopped fresh mozzarella over the top and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor; frozen shrimp can be used but ensure they are fully thawed.
- Do not overcook the pasta to keep it tender and firm.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the cream cheese or use half the amount of heavy cream.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the sauce’s flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- The baking step is optional but adds a wonderful cheesy crust and texture contrast.
- Garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon for freshness if desired.
