Shrimp Alfredo-Style Fettuccine with Parmesan

Fettuccine tossed with garlic shrimp, cream, butter and grated Parmesan.

By Hez ArslanUpdated
Total 35 minMakes 4 servings
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The source uses 400 grams of fettuccine or tagliatelle and 300 grams of peeled shrimp. Cook the noodles until just al dente and keep a cup of their starchy water before draining. In a wide skillet, melt butter, cook the garlic briefly and add the shrimp in a single layer. They are ready when pearly and opaque; keeping them on the heat for a long cream simmer makes them rubbery. Lift them out, warm the cream gently, then melt in Parmesan off strong heat. Return the shrimp and toss in the pasta, loosening the sauce with reserved water a spoonful at a time. Taste after the cheese goes in because Parmesan adds salt.

Shrimp Alfredo-Style Fettuccine with Parmesan

Recipe card

Shrimp Alfredo-Style Fettuccine with Parmesan

Prep 15 minCook 20 minTotal 35 minYield 4 servings
Only numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Pasta pot, large skillet, tongs

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta

    Boil pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup cooking water before draining.

  2. Cook shrimp

    Melt butter, add garlic briefly and cook shrimp in skillet until pearly and opaque; remove to a plate.

  3. Make sauce

    Warm cream gently in pan, reduce heat and stir in Parmesan until smooth.

  4. Toss

    Add pasta and shrimp, toss and loosen with small splashes of pasta water.

  5. Serve

    Taste for salt and pepper and finish with parsley.

How to tell when it is ready

Shrimp pearly opaque and pasta coated in creamy sauce.

Tips

  • Reserve pasta water.
  • Do not overcook shrimp.
  • Lower heat for cheese.
  • Serve promptly.

Troubleshooting

  • If sauce thickens, add hot reserved pasta water.
  • If cheese clumps, lower heat and stir gently.

Substitutions

  • Use either pasta shape listed in the source.
  • Use a comparable firm aged Parmesan-style cheese.

Variations

  • Use tagliatelle instead of fettuccine.
  • Add sautéed spinach before tossing.

Serving suggestions

  • Finish with parsley.
  • Add a green salad.
  • Offer lemon wedges.
  • Serve with toasted bread.

Make ahead

Prepare ingredients ahead and keep perishable items cold until cooking or serving.

Storage

Refrigerate covered up to 2 days; reheat gently until hot.

Food safety

Cook shrimp until pearly and opaque, and keep raw-seafood utensils separate.

Frequently asked questions

When are shrimp cooked?

Their flesh turns pearly and opaque; remove them before they become rubbery.

How should I store shrimp alfredo-style pasta?

Refrigerate covered up to 2 days; reheat gently until hot.

Bring the pasta to the table before the sauce tightens.

About the author

Hez Arslan

Hez Arslan owns feastdelights.com and also writes practical recipes for everyday home cooking, from familiar Ukrainian dishes to meals inspired by kitchens around the world. His clear, step-by-step guidance helps home cooks approach each recipe with confidence.

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