Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

 

What You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Perfect Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt – the water should taste like the sea. Bring it to a rolling boil, then add your fettuccine pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). This usually takes 8-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but save about ½ cup of the pasta water – you might need it later to adjust the sauce consistency.

Step 2: Prepare Your Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, make sure your shrimp are completely thawed, peeled, and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. This helps them cook evenly and develop a nice color.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. You want the garlic to smell amazing and turn just lightly golden – don’t let it burn or it will taste bitter.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet with the garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque all the way through. The shrimp should curl into a nice C-shape when done. Don’t overcook them or they’ll become tough and rubbery.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Lower the heat to low and carefully pour in the heavy cream. Let it warm up for a minute, then gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and you have a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Combine Everything Together

Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the alfredo sauce. Use tongs to toss everything together, making sure every strand of pasta gets coated with that delicious creamy sauce. The pasta should be glossy and well-coated.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Transfer the creamy fettuccine to serving plates and top with the perfectly cooked shrimp. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while everything is hot and creamy.