One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a delightful dish that brings together tender shrimp and creamy fettuccine in a symphony of flavors. The rich Parmesan sauce coats each noodle beautifully, while the garlic and fresh parsley add an aromatic touch that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at a special occasion.
Imagine the creamy goodness of Alfredo sauce enveloping plump, juicy shrimp, all made in just one pan! The sensory experience is heightened with the sizzle of garlic in butter and the enticing aroma that fills your kitchen. In this article, we’ll cover the ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, and tips for serving this standout meal with ease. Get ready to dive into this simple yet luscious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: You’ll use vibrant shrimp and high-quality dairy for a flavorful meal.
- Ease of Preparation: With everything cooked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze!
- Nutrition: Packed with protein from shrimp and the goodness of dairy.
- Versatility: Customize with vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.
- Presentation: The creamy look of this dish on your table is sure to impress!
This recipe checks all the boxes for a delicious meal.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Note that times may vary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, start by selecting the right 8 ounces fettuccine pasta, 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, 2 tablespoons butter, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste, and chopped parsley for garnish.
Main Protein
- Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are perfect for this dish due to their tender texture.
- Preparation: Rinse gently and pat dry before cooking.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, substitute shrimp with chicken or firm tofu.
- Tips: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should turn pink and opaque.
Starch/Pasta
- Fettuccine: This wide pasta holds creamy sauces beautifully.
- Preparation: Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, try penne or pappardelle.
- Tips: Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors.
- Preparation: Add to taste throughout the cooking process.
- Substitutions: If you prefer spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Tips: Always taste before serving!
Liquids/Dairy
- Heavy Cream: This creates the luscious Alfredo sauce that dreams are made of.
- Preparation: Pour directly into the pan after cooking the shrimp.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, half-and-half or a non-dairy cream can work as well.
- Tips: Avoid boiling the cream to prevent curdling.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic gives great flavor.
- Preparation: Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, shallots can also add a nice flavor.
- Tips: Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent burning.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds color and flavor.
- Preparation: Sprinkle on top right before serving.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, try basil or chives.
- Tips: Fresh herbs enhance the dish visually and taste-wise.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is effortless and convenient, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without hassle.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they are pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Step 4: Create the Alfredo Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the same skillet, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue to cook, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Shrimp
Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired sauce consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and give a final stir. Serve hot while the dish is creamy and comforting.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve in shallow bowls for an elegant look.
- Accompaniments: Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
- Portions: Adjust the recipe for larger gatherings easily by multiplying ingredients.
- Beverage Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the dish well.
This meal is sure to be a scene-stealer at your dining table!
Additional Tips
- Flavor Enhancement: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Customization: Toss in sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with extra Parmesan on the side for those who want more cheesy goodness.
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Alfredo: Add lemon zest and juice for a fresh twist.
- Vegetable Alfredo: Include seasonal vegetables like broccoli or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
- Spicy Alfredo: Mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For best results, freeze the dish before adding the cream. Use within 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.
Special Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta.
- Skillet for cooking the dish.
- Colander for draining pasta.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Knife and cutting board for prep.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them before cooking, and you can follow the same recipe.
2. Is this recipe healthy?
It contains protein from shrimp and some fats from heavy cream. You can adjust the cream for a lighter option.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp in advance. Just cook the pasta fresh before serving.
4. How can I customize flavors?
Add your favorite herbs or spices to make it your own.
5. Can I cook this using a different method?
Absolutely! You can make the sauce on the stove and use the oven to roast shrimp if you prefer.
Conclusion
One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a fantastic dish that combines creamy flavors with the ease of one-pot cooking. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or whenever you crave something special. With fresh ingredients and the luxurious taste of homemade Alfredo, this meal is not only satisfying but also simple to prepare. Share it with your loved ones or keep it all for yourself—either way, you’ll be glad you made it!
One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are perfect for this dish due to their tender texture.
Starch/Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta This wide pasta holds creamy sauces beautifully.
Liquids/Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream This creates the luscious Alfredo sauce that dreams are made of.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Essential for a creamy Alfredo sauce.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh, minced garlic gives great flavor.
Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter For sautéing the garlic and shrimp.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- to taste salt Essential for bringing out the flavors.
- to taste pepper Essential for bringing out the flavors.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- to taste chopped parsley Adds color and flavor; sprinkle on top before serving.
Instructions
Cooking
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Pour the heavy cream into the same skillet, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue to cook, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
