Description
This Irresistible Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp recipe combines tender shrimp and creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce with perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. The dish boasts a luscious texture with a subtle kick from cayenne and is topped with melted mozzarella for an extra indulgent finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect comforting meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces Fettuccine pasta noodles
Shrimp
- 650 grams Raw shrimp
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Butter (for sautéing shrimp)
- 1/2 cup Cubed butter
- 1 Garlic clove, minced
- 3 teaspoons All-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 pinch Cayenne pepper
- 2 cups Heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt or seasoned salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish: Gather all ingredients and read through the recipe to be sure you understand each step.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Shrimp: In a large pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the raw shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
- Melt Butter for Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the cubed butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream while whisking continuously to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly for 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked fettuccine and sautéed shrimp into the sauce. Toss well to coat every strand evenly with the rich Alfredo sauce.
- Add Mozzarella: Top the pasta with shredded mozzarella cheese just before serving to add a delightful melty, creamy finish.
Notes
- For best shrimp flavor, use fresh or thawed shrimp and pat dry before cooking.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce but expect slightly less creaminess.
- The cayenne pepper is optional; adjust based on your spice preference.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick during mixing.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture as the sauce thickens the longer it sits.
