Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a delicious Italian-American dish that you'll love. It features tender shrimp tossed in a creamy sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, all mixed with fettuccine pasta. It's quick to prepare, taking just around 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. For an extra kick, consider adding vegetables or adjusting the creaminess to your taste. You'll want to stick around to discover more tasty tips and variations!
History
Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo has roots in the classic Italian dish created by Alfredo di Lelio in early 20th-century Rome, where he combined pasta, butter, and cheese.
Over time, this dish evolved, especially in the United States, where adding shrimp became a popular twist. The history of Alfredo in America reflects a growing love for Italian cuisine, particularly among Italian-Americans who often pair seafood with creamy sauces.
By the mid-20th century, Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo gained fame, appearing in restaurants and cookbooks alike.
While traditional recipes focused solely on butter and cheese, North American adaptations introduced heavy cream and Parmesan.
Today, this dish remains a beloved comfort food, frequently served in Italian restaurants across the U.S. during special occasions and family dinners.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3/4 lb fettuccine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter (divided)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Paprika (to taste)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions:
Begin by cooking the fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sauté them in the skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
Pour in the white wine, allowing it to reduce for a minute before stirring in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Finally, combine the cooked fettuccine and shrimp with the sauce, ensuring everything is well coated.
Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste, and serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley or basil.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, use fresh shrimp for a sweeter flavor and firmer texture.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce further.
Additionally, feel free to customize the dish by adding vegetables such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
Serve with a side of garlic bread to complete the meal and soak up the delicious sauce!
Cooking Steps
To whip up your Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, start by sautéing garlic in butter to release its aroma.
Then, add the shrimp and cook until they're perfectly pink.
Finally, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan for a rich, creamy sauce that'll coat your fettuccine beautifully.
Step 1. Sauté Garlic in Butter
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat to create a flavorful base for your fettuccine Alfredo.
Once the butter's melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You want the garlic to turn fragrant and lightly golden, as this adds depth to your dish.
Be cautious not to overcook the garlic; it should be just aromatic to avoid bitterness. The rich garlic butter will enhance the overall flavor profile of the shrimp fettuccine Alfredo.
Once you achieve that perfect golden hue, you're ready to move on to the next step, where you'll add the shrimp to the skillet for a delicious combination.
Step 2. Add Shrimp and Cook
Once you've sautéed the garlic in butter, it's time to add the shrimp to the skillet.
Start by thoroughly drying the shrimp with paper towels, then season them with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
Heat oil in your skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they're pink and opaque.
Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as that can lead to uneven cooking.
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside to prevent overcooking.
You'll soon mix these perfectly cooked shrimp back into the sauce, ensuring they're well incorporated with the fettuccine and the creamy goodness you're about to create.
Step 3. Stir in Heavy Cream
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, allowing the rich liquid to blend seamlessly with the flavorful remnants from the shrimp and garlic.
Stir the mixture gently, letting it simmer for a few minutes. This step helps thicken the creamy sauce and enhances the overall flavor.
To avoid curdling, whisk in the heavy cream gradually, ensuring a smooth texture throughout. If you want a richer dish, feel free to adjust the amount of cream you use. The more cream, the creamier your sauce will be.
Once you've achieved the desired consistency, it's time to incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Stir continuously until it's melted and well combined, creating a luscious sauce that clings to your fettuccine.
Step 4. Add Parmesan and Season
As you stir the creamy sauce, gradually add about 1 tablespoon of freshly grated Parmesan cheese at a time.
Stir constantly to guarantee it melts smoothly and incorporates fully. Choosing high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan is key to achieving the best flavor, so skip the pre-grated varieties.
After the cheese has melted, season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting gradually to enhance the overall flavor.
For an extra layer of depth, consider adding a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg along with the Parmesan.
Keep simmering the sauce gently while stirring frequently, ensuring it remains creamy and thick as the flavors meld perfectly together.
Enjoy the rich, savory base you've created!
Step 5. Toss With Fettuccine Pasta
Carefully combine the cooked fettuccine with the creamy shrimp Alfredo sauce in the skillet.
Make sure the pasta is drained but not rinsed, so it retains some starch for better sauce adhesion.
Gently toss the fettuccine in the skillet, ensuring every strand is evenly coated with the rich Alfredo sauce.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Once the pasta is well-mixed with the sauce, fold in the sautéed shrimp, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful combination of pasta, shrimp, and Alfredo sauce at its best!
Final Thoughts
While enjoying Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, you'll appreciate how this dish perfectly balances indulgence and convenience. In just 25 minutes, you can create a rich meal featuring tender fettuccine and succulent shrimp enveloped in a creamy sauce made with heavy whipping cream, butter, and fresh Parmesan.
To enhance the creaminess, using heavy whipping cream instead of half-and-half makes a significant difference. You might also consider adding sautéed vegetables like broccoli or spinach for a nutritious boost and added color.
Just be sure to cook your shrimp until they're pink and opaque, taking care not to overdo it. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also delivers a comforting, delicious experience that's hard to beat on busy weeknights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alfredo Sauce Go With Shrimp?
Absolutely, Alfredo sauce goes wonderfully with shrimp! The creamy, cheesy texture of the sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, creating a delicious balance.
If you use high-quality ingredients like freshly grated Parmesan and large shrimp, you'll elevate the dish even further.
Cooking the shrimp separately helps you season them well before mixing, ensuring every bite is flavorful. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten the overall flavor, making it even more enjoyable.
What Seasoning to Put on Shrimp for Alfredo?
When you're seasoning shrimp, start with a blend of salt, black pepper, and paprika for a savory kick.
You might also want to add garlic powder or minced garlic to enhance the flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten things up, while fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a nice touch.
If you're feeling adventurous, try Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist that'll elevate your dish even more!
What Can I Add to Alfredo to Make It Taste Better?
Imagine swirling a creamy, dreamy Alfredo sauce around your pasta, but it needs a little magic.
To elevate that flavor, you can add freshly grated Parmesan for a rich texture, sautéed garlic for depth, or a splash of white wine to brighten it up.
Toss in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for color and nutrition.
Don't forget a pinch of red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch.
You'll love the transformation!
What Is the Difference Between Alfredo Sauce and Fettuccine Sauce?
Alfredo sauce is a rich, creamy blend of butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, designed to coat pasta, especially fettuccine.
In contrast, fettuccine sauce refers to a broader range of sauces that can include marinara, pesto, or lighter olive oil-based options.
While Alfredo's flavor is indulgent and often enhanced with garlic or nutmeg, fettuccine sauces vary widely in ingredients and preparation methods, allowing for more versatility in your dishes.
