Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a luscious and indulgent dish featuring tender fettuccine tossed in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce with succulent sautéed shrimp, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes, this recipe balances creamy and savory flavors with a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes and a fresh finish of chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta
Shrimp
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to keep them tender.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding burning for optimal flavor.
- Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture begins to simmer, allowing it to slightly thicken.
- Add Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season Sauce: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat, stirring to incorporate all the flavors.
- Return Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, gently folding them into the Alfredo sauce to reheat and combine.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained fettuccine pasta into the skillet and toss everything to coat evenly with the creamy shrimp Alfredo sauce.
- Add Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta and give everything a final gentle toss to distribute the herbs.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic shrimp Alfredo pasta immediately, garnished with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, fresh touch. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp when possible for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit completely for a milder dish.
- To save time, use pre-minced garlic but fresh is preferred for optimal flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though it will be less rich.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh from a block for the creamiest texture and best taste.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp as they can become rubbery.
