Description
This 30 Minute Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo is a quick and indulgent comfort meal combining succulent shrimp with a creamy garlicky Alfredo sauce over tender fettuccine pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers restaurant-quality flavors with ease and versatility, making it a delicious and satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 12 oz fresh or frozen peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water and cook the fettuccine pasta according to package directions until al dente. Save a cup of pasta water before draining to use later for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Sauté the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then add shrimp, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creaminess is reached. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss in the drained pasta and mix everything together until the noodles are fully coated and the shrimp is evenly distributed. Heat for another minute or so for flavors to meld.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the cheesy garlic shrimp Alfredo to plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Choose fresh shrimp or properly thawed frozen shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook shrimp; remove from heat once they turn pink and curl to avoid rubberiness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for smoother melting and better flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to thin out the sauce without losing flavor or richness.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding pasta water gradually rather than more cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg