Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Indulge in the luxury of this Creamy Shrimp Pasta, a dish that perfectly balances comfort and sophistication. With tender fettuccini and plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a rich Alfredo sauce, each bite captures the essence of a restaurant-quality meal.
This recipe’s flavor layers elevate each component, from garlic and white wine to freshly grated Parmesan, offering a sauce that’s creamy and irresistibly smooth. It’s a dish designed for savoring, as the seasoned shrimp pairs beautifully with the sauce’s delicate balance of creaminess and spice.
Perfect for any night you crave a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and sure to impress, this pasta will be an instant favorite. Simple yet flavorful, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Creamy Shrimp Pasta Ingredients
Fettuccine Pasta
The base of this dish, fettuccine, absorbs the creamy Alfredo sauce while providing a satisfying bite, perfectly complementing the richness of the shrimp and sauce.
Large Shrimp
Tender, juicy shrimp add protein and a touch of sweetness, transforming the pasta into a hearty and indulgent meal.
Whipping Cream
This ingredient creates the sauce’s velvety texture, delivering the creamy consistency that defines a classic Alfredo.
Parmesan Cheese
A sprinkle of Parmesan adds depth and umami, enhancing the sauce with a hint of saltiness and a rich, savory finish.
White Wine
White wine brings acidity and brightness, balancing the creaminess and adding subtle, refined notes to the sauce.
Fresh Garlic
Mildly pungent garlic brings warmth and depth, infusing the sauce with its signature aroma and layering the dish with a touch of complexity.
Parsley
Garnished with parsley, this dish gets a final, fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness for a beautiful presentation.
Recipe Tips for Creamy Shrimp Pasta
- Perfect Shrimp Texture
For tender, juicy shrimp, avoid overcooking them. Sear shrimp over medium-high heat, cooking just until they turn pink and opaque (around 2 minutes per side). Removing them from the pan immediately prevents carryover cooking, which can make shrimp rubbery. Once the pasta and sauce are ready, gently toss the shrimp back in to ensure they’re warmed through without being overcooked. - Keep the Sauce Smooth and Creamy
Creamy sauces can separate if exposed to high heat, so avoid boiling the Alfredo sauce once you add the Parmesan cheese. After the cheese is incorporated, keep the sauce at a gentle simmer and stir frequently until it reaches a smooth consistency. This technique prevents the sauce from curdling and keeps it velvety, enhancing the dish’s rich texture. - Cooking Pasta Al Dente
For a perfect pasta texture that complements the creaminess of the sauce, cook the fettuccini just until al dente. Overcooking makes the pasta too soft, reducing its ability to hold the sauce. After draining, do not rinse the pasta; this keeps the natural starch intact, helping the sauce adhere to the noodles. Tossing the pasta directly into the sauce while still warm also allows for even coating and absorption of the rich Alfredo flavors.
What to Serve with Creamy Shrimp Pasta
- Garlic Bread
A classic pairing, garlic bread enhances the flavors of this creamy pasta dish with its warm, buttery crunch. Serve freshly baked garlic bread on the side to mop up any extra sauce, adding a hint of garlic and butter that complements the Alfredo sauce perfectly. - Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A light, crisp green salad cuts through the richness of the pasta. Toss mixed greens with a tangy lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate and balance the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce. The acidity of the dressing contrasts beautifully, bringing a delightful freshness to the meal. - Roasted Asparagus
Lightly roasted asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and cracked black pepper makes for an elegant, simple side dish. Its natural earthiness and slight bitterness offer a pleasant contrast, elevating the flavors of the creamy pasta and juicy shrimp.
FAQ for Creamy Shrimp Pasta
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just thaw them completely by running under cold water or leaving them in the fridge overnight. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture. - Can I substitute the white wine?
If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace white wine with chicken or vegetable broth. This substitute will maintain the sauce’s consistency, adding depth without altering the flavor too much. - How can I make the sauce thicker?
To achieve a thicker consistency, add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan or simmer the sauce a bit longer. Avoid adding flour, as it may change the texture. Cream-based sauces thicken naturally as they reduce. - Can I make this dish in advance?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and pasta separately up to a day in advance. When reheating, mix the pasta and sauce gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s smooth consistency.
Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb large raw shrimp peeled and deveined (21-25 count)
- 3/4 lb fettuccine pasta
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/3 cup white wine Chardonnay recommended
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
- 1/4 tsp paprika or to taste
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside, without rinsing.
- Prepare the shrimp and sauce: Season the shrimp evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until pink and fully opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a separate dish to avoid overcooking.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes soft and golden, approximately 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine and bring to a boil. Allow the wine to reduce until about 25% of the liquid remains. Stir in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce achieves a smooth and creamy consistency. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, and paprika, if desired.
- Incorporate the cooked pasta and shrimp, tossing to ensure the noodles are well coated in the sauce. Serve the pasta in warm bowls, garnished generously with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper.
