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The Ultimate 30-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo (Fettuccine)

A fork lifting creamy fettuccine noodles covered in sauce, shrimp alfredo, and parsley from a white bowl.

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Make restaurant-quality, creamy shrimp alfredo pasta at home quickly. This easy recipe delivers rich, cheesy flavor in under 30 minutes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound fettuccine pasta
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the sauce is smooth and melted. This is your homemade alfredo sauce.
  6. Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta completely. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one splash at a time, until you reach your desired creaminess.
  7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to heat through.
  8. Serve immediately. Top each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • If you want a slight kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
  • This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, but leftovers store well for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore texture.

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