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Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo in Under 35 Minutes

Close-up of creamy fettuccine shrimp alfredo pasta topped with fresh parsley and black pepper.
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You can create this unbelievably creamy and rich Shrimp Alfredo at home. This recipe delivers a gourmet experience perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, featuring tender shrimp and a silky Parmesan cream sauce that sets up fast.

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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the drained pasta aside.
  2. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Whisk in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes. This creates your homemade alfredo sauce.
  7. If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until you reach a silky, smooth consistency.
  8. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand.
  9. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss briefly to heat through.
  10. Serve immediately. Garnish your ultimate creamy pasta with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a Cajun shrimp alfredo variation, add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before cooking.
  • Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth, restaurant style alfredo sauce.
  • To prevent the sauce from breaking, keep the heat low when adding the cheese and avoid boiling the sauce once the Parmesan is incorporated.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/shrimp-alfredo-creamy-garlic-pasta-recipe/