Description
This Irresistible Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp is a creamy, comforting Italian-American pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked fettuccine noodles coated in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce enriched with butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Tender shrimp add a sweet, succulent protein element, while a subtle hint of cayenne pepper elevates the flavor without overpowering it. Topped with melty mozzarella cheese, this dish is quick to prepare in just 30 minutes and perfect for an indulgent yet elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces Fettuccine pasta noodles
Shrimp
- 650 grams Raw shrimp
Sautéing and Sauce Base
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1/2 cup Cubed butter
- 1 Garlic clove, minced
- 3 teaspoons All-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 pinch Cayenne pepper
Dairy and Cheese
- 2 cups Heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Seasoning
- Salt or seasoned salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and equipment to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Cook the Fettuccine: Boil the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the raw shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce Base: In a separate saucepan, sauté 1/2 cup cubed butter over medium heat until melted. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Create the Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour, black pepper, and cayenne pepper into the melted butter and garlic mixture. Cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add the Cream: Slowly pour the heavy whipping cream into the roux while whisking constantly to combine smoothly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp to the simmering sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the rich Alfredo sauce.
- Finish with Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta before serving, allowing it to melt slightly for added creamy texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated to enhance flavor and texture.
- To avoid overcooking shrimp, keep a close eye on the pink color change and cook just until opaque.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly but be cautious not to overpower the dish.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
