Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Pasta With Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

This Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a deliciously rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines tender shrimp with a creamy Parmesan sauce and fettuccine pasta. With a touch of white wine and a hint of spice, this Alfredo recipe brings a classic Italian favorite to life, perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or a comforting night in. Follow along to make this indulgent dish and customize it with your favorite garnishes for a personal touch.

Ingredients

• Pasta and Shrimp
• ¾ lb fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp oil
• Seasoning for Shrimp
• ¼ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Sauce Ingredients
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ⅓ cup white wine
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Garnish
• Sprinkle of paprika, parsley, or basil (optional)
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)

Preparing the Pasta and Shrimp

1. Cooking the Pasta
   Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the instructions on the package. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add the pasta, and cook until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta but do not rinse it; set it aside. The slight starchiness left on the pasta will help the sauce adhere better.
2. Seasoning the Shrimp
   Place the shrimp in a small bowl and season them with ¼ teaspoon of paprika, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to taste. This will give the shrimp a flavorful base that complements the creamy sauce.
3. Cooking the Shrimp
   In a large skillet, heat the tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for approximately 1 minute per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become tough if left on the heat for too long. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Making the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

1. Sautéing the Onion and Garlic
   In the same skillet, add the 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 2 minutes or until they are softened and fragrant. The butter will help bring out the sweet flavors of the onion and garlic, creating a base for the sauce.
2. Adding the White Wine
   Pour in the white wine, stirring occasionally as it simmers and reduces. Let the wine cook for about 3 minutes, or until it has reduced by about half. This step will add depth to the sauce and help balance the creaminess with a hint of acidity.
3. Creating the Cream Sauce
   Slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring as you pour to fully incorporate it with the wine and onion mixture. Allow the cream to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat slightly to maintain a simmer. This will help the sauce thicken without breaking.
4. Adding the Parmesan Cheese
   Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it dissolves fully into the sauce. Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor and enhances the creamy texture. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

Combining the Shrimp and Pasta with the Sauce

1. Adding the Shrimp and Pasta
   Return the cooked shrimp and fettuccine pasta to the skillet, gently tossing them in the Alfredo sauce. Make sure each piece of pasta is coated with the creamy sauce, and cook for an additional 3 minutes to heat everything through.
2. Final Seasoning
   Taste the sauce and add additional salt and black pepper if necessary. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes to your preference. The spicy kick from the red pepper flakes complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
3. Garnishing and Serving
   Sprinkle the finished dish with chopped parsley, fresh basil, or an extra dash of paprika. These garnishes add color and freshness to the creamy Alfredo. Serve the pasta hot, and enjoy the flavors of tender shrimp and creamy, cheesy sauce with every bite.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
   Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce, creating a silkier texture compared to pre-grated cheese, which may contain anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly.
2. Choose the Right Wine
   A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, works best in this recipe, as it enhances the flavor without adding sweetness. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the wine with a bit of chicken or vegetable broth.
3. Control the Spice Level
   Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your personal spice tolerance. If you enjoy a milder Alfredo, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
4. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
   Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking can make them rubbery. Make sure to cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, then remove them from the heat immediately.
5. Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor
   Fresh parsley, basil, or even chives can add a pop of color and a hint of herbaceousness to balance the richness of the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo dishes, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer. Linguine, spaghetti, or penne are all great options that pair well with creamy sauces.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp to save time. Simply add the shrimp to the sauce during the final steps to heat them through. Avoid overcooking, as pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery if heated for too long.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a small amount of butter. Keep in mind, however, that the sauce may not be as thick or rich as with heavy cream.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the creamy sauce can thicken and separate upon reheating. If you do need to make it ahead, store the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them when reheating over low heat.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers can be added to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the wine.

Conclusion

This Creamy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a luxurious dish that combines tender shrimp, silky Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and customizable spice level, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night at home, this shrimp Alfredo offers a taste of Italian indulgence that’s hard to resist. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite garnishes and make this recipe uniquely your own!