Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked fettuccine, draped in a luxuriously creamy sauce, studded with succulent pink shrimp and bursting with garlic-infused flavor. This isn't just another pasta dish - it's a restaurant-quality meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy, without spending hours in the kitchen or breaking the bank. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or looking to impress your family with a gourmet meal, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is about to become your new culinary superstar!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pasta pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add fettuccine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it starts to foam and become fragrant.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds until golden and aromatic, being careful not to burn.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and become slightly curled, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with the shrimp and garlic.
- Gradually sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency.
- Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet and gently toss to coat pasta evenly with the creamy sauce and shrimp.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect searing and prevent steaming
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce
- Watch your garlic carefully - it can burn quickly and turn bitter
- Reserve pasta water before draining; it's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency
- Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and curl - overcooking makes them tough
- Use medium-high heat for searing shrimp and medium-low for creating the cream sauce
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing garlic
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and most luxurious texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 250mg
