Introduction
One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that brings together tender fettuccine noodles, succulent shrimp, and a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce—all made in a single pan. This dish not only saves on cleanup but also infuses the pasta with incredible flavor as it cooks directly in the sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or date nights at home, it’s a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth (or seafood stock)
1 cup heavy cream
12 oz fettuccine pasta
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
Cook shrimp: In a large, deep skillet or pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Make sauce base: Add garlic to the same pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook pasta: Add fettuccine directly into the simmering liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, cooking for 10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid has reduced into a creamy sauce.
Add cheese: Stir in Parmesan until melted and sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Finish: Return shrimp to the pan, toss to coat in sauce, and heat through for 1–2 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Description
This One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is rich, creamy, and satisfying without being overly complicated. The shrimp adds a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with the garlicky Alfredo sauce, while cooking the pasta directly in the sauce infuses every bite with flavor. The result is a silky, cheesy, and comforting dish that feels gourmet but comes together quickly in one pan.
Tips
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they only need a couple of minutes per side.
If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
Stir pasta frequently to prevent clumping as it cooks in the sauce.
Serve immediately—Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools.
Variations
Chicken Alfredo: Substitute shrimp with grilled or sautéed chicken.
Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Extra veggies: Add broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms during the simmering stage.
Cajun-style: Season shrimp with Cajun spices for a spicy twist.
Cheese boost: Mix in a little Romano or Asiago cheese with Parmesan for depth of flavor.
Correction
Avoid boiling the sauce on high heat—it may cause the cream to separate. Simmer gently.
Don’t add the shrimp back too early; overcooking makes them rubbery.
Pre-grated Parmesan often contains fillers that prevent smooth melting—grate it fresh for best results.
Enjoy
Serve your One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo hot, straight from the skillet, for the creamiest, most satisfying experience. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions—creamy pasta, juicy shrimp, and rich sauce all in one delicious bite.