Craving something rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor? Our Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta is here to satisfy those pasta cravings! This dish combines tender shrimp with the luscious, creamy Alfredo sauce that everyone loves. The wide fettuccine noodles are the perfect base, perfectly coated with the velvety sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this shrimp pasta is the ideal comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a cozy dinner for yourself, it’s sure to be a hit.
What’s in Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta?
Let’s take a look at the simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create this luscious dish:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta: A classic pasta choice for Alfredo, its wide, flat noodles are the perfect vessel to hold that creamy, cheesy sauce. It provides the perfect texture to balance the rich sauce.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: These succulent shrimp are the star protein in this dish. I prefer using fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp work too if you’re in a pinch.
- 3 tbsp butter: Butter is the key to starting our sauce and adding richness and flavor. It’s the essential ingredient that makes everything taste better.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings an irresistible savory note to the dish. It’s that aromatic touch that makes the sauce truly shine.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what transforms the sauce into a creamy, velvety texture. Full-fat cream ensures that thick and indulgent consistency that makes every bite pure comfort.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan gives the Alfredo sauce its distinct, nutty flavor. The richness and creaminess it brings is essential to the sauce’s smoothness.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: A bit of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of green but also balances the richness with a touch of freshness. It’s the finishing touch that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These basic seasonings bring all the flavors into harmony and ensure the pasta is perfectly seasoned.
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional): A sprinkle of Italian herbs can elevate the flavor profile of the dish, giving it that extra depth of flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, red pepper flakes provide the perfect spicy kick.
Ingredients List
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
Serves: 4
Is Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta Good for You?
While this dish is undeniably rich, let’s break it down to see how it stacks up in terms of health:
- Fettuccine Pasta: It’s a hearty carbohydrate, providing the energy you need, but be mindful of your portion size to keep it balanced.
- Shrimp: These little guys are packed with lean protein and are low in calories, making them a great addition to the dish.
- Butter and Heavy Cream: Both are high in saturated fats, so while they add to the dish’s richness, they should be used in moderation.
- Parmesan Cheese: It’s a good source of protein and calcium, but like all cheeses, it’s also high in fat and sodium.
Overall, if you enjoy this creamy shrimp pasta in moderation and balance it with healthy sides, like steamed veggies or a fresh salad, it can still fit into a well-rounded diet. Plus, who doesn’t deserve to indulge every now and then?
