Description
This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe features succulent shrimp cooked to perfection and tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce, served over fettuccine or penne pasta. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 3/4 lb fettuccine or penne pasta
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 Tbsp oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sprinkle of paprika
Sauce
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/3 cup white wine (Ste Chapelle Chardonnay or similar)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Approximately 1/4 tsp paprika
Garnish
- Parsley or basil (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook 3/4 lb fettuccine or penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it to help the sauce adhere better.
- Cook Shrimp: Lightly season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn golden/pink on the outside and opaque white inside. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add 2 Tbsp unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until golden and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Reduce: Pour in 1/3 cup white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Allow the wine to reduce by about 75%, intensifying the flavor.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in 2 cups heavy whipping cream and simmer gently for 2 minutes. Sprinkle in 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Be careful not to boil the sauce to prevent cheese from separating. Season with salt, pepper, and approximately 1/4 tsp paprika.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the sauce, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the Alfredo sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, extra Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper as desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not rinse pasta after draining to help sauce stick better.
- Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
- Do not boil the Alfredo sauce once cheese is added to prevent separation.
- White wine adds depth but can be omitted or substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil enhance flavor but are optional.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best taste and melting quality.
