One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo: A Creamy Delight
Ah, the rich allure of Alfredo sauce—it calls to anyone who loves indulgent, creamy pasta. Pair that with succulent shrimp, and you’ve got a dish that’s not only delicious but elegant, too. Introducing the star of your next meal: One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo. It’s the perfect dinner for date nights, casual evenings, or whenever you crave a quick yet scrumptious fix.
Are you ready to dive in? Let’s head to the kitchen!
The Birth of Fettuccine Alfredo: A Culinary Mystery
The true origins of Fettuccine Alfredo are a topic of much debate. Some claim it hails from the heart of Rome, while others argue it’s a classic American creation. We may never know for sure, but one thing is certain: Fettuccine Alfredo has captured the hearts of pasta lovers everywhere.
Bottled Alfredo Sauce: Quick Fix or Skip?
Pressed for time? Bottled Alfredo sauce can certainly be a helpful shortcut. But, if you’re craving an authentic, homemade experience, nothing beats the richness of a freshly made Alfredo sauce.
Substituting Heavy Cream: Lighter Options
The magic of Alfredo sauce comes from the creamy texture of heavy cream. However, if you’re looking to cut back on calories, chicken broth or whole milk can be used as substitutes. Just keep in mind that your sauce will be lighter, both in texture and flavor.
Say Cheese!
While Parmesan cheese is the undisputed king of Alfredo, other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago can work as great alternatives if you’re looking for something with a little more bite.
Shrimp 101: How to Know When They’re Done
Wondering when your shrimp are cooked to perfection? Look for them to curl into a “C” shape and turn from gray to a lovely pink or white. If they still look gray? Keep cooking them!
Veggie Add-Ins: Why Not?
Why not make your dish even more vibrant and nutritious? Toss in some fresh broccoli, spinach, or even savory mushrooms—the more, the merrier!
Ingredients
- Shrimp – 1 lb peeled and deveined (tails optional)
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Fettuccine – 8 ounces
- Unsalted Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic – 2 teaspoons minced
- Chicken Broth – 2 cups
- Whole Milk – ½ cup
- Heavy Whipping Cream – 1 ½ cups
- Parmesan Cheese – 1 cup grated
- Seasoning – Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
- Garnish – Fresh parsley for a beautiful finish
Instructions: How to Make One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
1. Sizzle the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook them until they curl up into that perfect “C” shape, turning a lovely pink or white. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Butter and Garlic Symphony:
In the same skillet, melt butter and toss in minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its incredible aroma.
3. Liquidity Infusion:
Pour in the chicken broth and whole milk. Stir to combine, creating a smooth, fragrant liquid base.
4. Noodle Nest:
Add the fettuccine noodles to the skillet, submerging them in the liquid. Cover and let simmer until the noodles are tender and cooked to your preferred texture.
5. Creamy Ascent:
Remove the lid and reduce the heat to medium. Pour in heavy whipping cream and stir constantly until the sauce becomes silky and thickened.
6. Cheese & Season:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, along with a dash of nutmeg and any extra salt and pepper to taste.
7. Shrimp Curtain Call:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing them into the creamy sauce and noodles until they’re fully coated.
8. Final Flourish:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot. Voilà! Your creamy, dreamy shrimp fettuccine Alfredo is ready for the spotlight.
One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Course: Seafood
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Shrimp: 1 lb peeled and deveined (tails optional)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Fettuccine: 8 ounces
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 teaspoons minced
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups
- Whole Milk: ½ cup
- Heavy Cream: 1 ½ cups
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup grated
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
- Garnish: Freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat Things Up: Swirl olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until shrimp turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape. Remove and set aside.
- Butter & Garlic Symphony: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Liquidity Infusion: Add chicken broth and whole milk, whisking them together until fully combined.
- Noodle Nest: Add fettuccine noodles, submerging them in the liquid. Cover and simmer until tender.
- Creamy Ascent: Reduce the heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Cheese & Season: Add grated Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and flavorful.
- Shrimp Curtain Call: Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing until fully coated in the sauce.
- Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, serve, and enjoy!
From start to finish, this dish takes just one skillet and a bit of time, but the flavor? Absolutely worth it. Share your experience in the comments below, and let me know how your creamy, garlicky, shrimp-infused masterpiece turned out. Bon appétit!