Go Back
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The key to a great Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo lies in using fresh and high-quality ingredients. The fettuccine pasta provides a perfect base for the rich and creamy sauce, while the shrimp adds a delightful sea flavor. I always opt for large shrimp for a satisfying bite. Garlic is the star here, giving the dish its signature taste. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a rich, smooth sauce. This combination makes every bite a delight. I love adding unsalted butter to enhance the flavor and texture of the sauce. For seasoning, a touch of salt and pepper brings everything together. Fresh parsley adds color and brightness at the end. It’s simple, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role. You’ll notice how the flavors blend beautifully, creating a dish that feels gourmet, yet is easy to prepare. 1. Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt. 2. Bring the water to a rolling boil. This step is key for flavor. 3. Once boiling, add 8 oz of fettuccine pasta. Stir to prevent sticking. 4. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. 5. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later. 6. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. 1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. 2. Once hot, add 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. 3. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. 4. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. 5. After cooking, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. 1. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. 2. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. 3. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. It should smell fragrant but not brown. 1. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer. 2. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts and becomes smooth. 3. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Do this slowly until you reach your desired consistency. 1. Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. 2. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are well-coated in the sauce. 3. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. 4. Finally, remove from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and flavor. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan on the side if desired. - Avoiding overcooking: Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooking makes shrimp tough and rubbery. Always keep a close eye while they are in the pan. - Tips for seasoning shrimp: Use salt and pepper to bring out the shrimp's natural taste. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor. Season well before cooking to ensure full flavor. - Importance of simmering: Simmering helps the flavors meld together. Once you add the cream, keep it on low heat. Stir often to prevent anything from sticking to the pan. A gentle simmer makes the sauce smooth and creamy. - Avoiding clumpy cheese: Add Parmesan cheese slowly while stirring. This prevents clumps from forming. If clumps do appear, whisk the sauce vigorously until smooth. If needed, a little reserved pasta water helps. - Tips for making pasta al dente: Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Taste the pasta a minute before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard. This texture holds up well in the sauce. - Using reserved water effectively: After draining the pasta, save about ½ cup of water. This water is starchy and helps adjust the sauce's thickness. Add it little by little until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess. {{image_2}} You can make this dish healthier by changing a few ingredients. First, try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of regular fettuccine. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and nutrients. Gluten-free pasta works well for those with gluten sensitivities. Another option is to swap heavy cream for light cream. Light cream lowers the fat content but still gives a creamy texture. It helps keep your meal rich and satisfying. To add more flavor, consider adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Spinach adds a nice color and taste. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a touch of sweetness and depth. Both ingredients blend well in the sauce. You can also play with different herbs or spices. Fresh basil or oregano can brighten the dish. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Experimenting with flavors makes the dish your own. If shrimp isn’t your favorite, you can use scallops or crab. Both options give a sweet and tender bite. Scallops cook quickly, and crab adds a luxurious touch. You can also create a mixed seafood dish. Combine shrimp, scallops, and crab for a seafood medley. This mix brings variety to your plate and makes it even more delicious. To keep your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo fresh, follow these tips: - Store leftovers in airtight containers. - Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing. - Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Using glass containers works best. They help prevent strong smells and stains. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key: - Use a skillet over low heat for even warmth. - Add a splash of milk or cream to prevent dryness. - Stir often to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid using the microwave. It can make the sauce clumpy and shrimp rubbery. Can you freeze Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo? Yes, but with care: - Freeze in portions in freezer-safe bags. - Remove as much air as possible before sealing. - To thaw, place in the fridge overnight before reheating. Once thawed, reheat gently in a skillet. Add a bit of cream to restore creaminess. Making Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo is quick! It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. In total, you will spend around 25 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a perfect meal for busy nights. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 20 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking. If using frozen shrimp, they may take an extra minute to cook. Look for shrimp that turn pink and opaque. There are many tasty sides to pair with this dish. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread - Steamed broccoli - Caesar salad - Roasted asparagus These sides add color and flavor to your meal. You can easily scale the recipe. To make more, double the ingredients. For fewer servings, halve them. Keep the same cooking time. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if needed. This way, you can enjoy this dish no matter the crowd size! In this post, we explored how to make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, tips for best results, and variations for different tastes. Remember, perfecting your shrimp and sauce ensures a great meal. You now have the tools to impress at dinner. Don’t forget about storing and reheating leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Dive into this dish, get creative, and enjoy each bite!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo

Indulge in a creamy garlic shrimp Alfredo that's sure to impress! This simple and delicious recipe features tender fettuccine pasta, succulent shrimp, and a rich garlic-parmesan sauce that comes together in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is a crowd-pleaser everyone will love. Ready to elevate your mealtime? Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a taste of gourmet cooking at home!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

      Prepare the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

        Make the Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

          Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

            Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley as a garnish. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4