One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo: A Creamy Delight for Busy Weeknights
If you’re in the mood for a comforting and easy-to-make dish, this One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is the perfect choice. Packed with succulent shrimp, creamy Parmesan sauce, and tender fettuccine noodles, this dish is a flavor-packed dinner that can be prepared with minimal effort and cleanup. Plus, it’s made in one pan—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal without too much hassle.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some helpful tips to make your One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo the best it can be.
Ingredients for One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
The ingredients for this dish are simple yet essential for creating that rich, creamy texture that Alfredo is known for. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 cup milk (preferably whole milk)
- 16 oz large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (freshly grated works best)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended for depth of flavor)
- Parsley for garnish (fresh, chopped)
- 8 oz fettuccine noodles, dry
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Convenience: As the name suggests, this dish is prepared in one pan, saving you time on both cooking and cleaning up afterward.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can make this creamy shrimp pasta in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful and Rich: The combination of creamy heavy cream, Parmesan, and nutmeg gives the sauce its signature richness, while the shrimp add a savory protein that balances the dish perfectly.
- Customizable: Whether you want to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or substitute the shrimp with chicken or even a vegetarian option, this recipe is highly adaptable to your tastes.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp—this only takes a couple of minutes!
Once the shrimp is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and cover it with a lid or foil to keep it warm. Set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce Base
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, just enough to release its aroma. Be cautious not to burn the garlic.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the dry fettuccine noodles. Stir to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. Put the lid on the pan and reduce the heat to low. Allow the noodles to simmer for about 11 minutes, stirring once in between to prevent sticking. The noodles should be al dente by the end of this step.
Step 3: Add the Cream and Parmesan
Once the noodles are cooked, it’s time to make the Alfredo sauce! Add the heavy cream to the pan, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Stir the sauce well to help the cheese melt and incorporate into the creamy base. The sauce should start to thicken as the cheese melts into the liquid.
Step 4: Add the Shrimp
Now that the sauce is beautifully creamy, it’s time to add the cooked shrimp back into the pan. Gently stir the shrimp into the pasta and sauce until everything is well coated and the shrimp is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Step 5: Let it Sit and Thicken
Once the shrimp is added, take the pan off the heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken up to the perfect consistency. During this time, the noodles will continue to absorb some of the sauce, making each bite rich and creamy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the dish has thickened, it’s time to plate! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Tips for Making the Best One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will always taste better, but frozen shrimp work fine too. Just make sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry before cooking.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan tends to be drier and doesn’t melt as smoothly. Grating your own Parmesan from a block results in a creamier sauce.
- Add Veggies for Extra Flavor: If you want to sneak in some veggies, consider adding spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pan when you add the garlic. This will add more nutrients and flavor to the dish.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you find the sauce too thick, simply add a little more milk or chicken broth to loosen it up. You can also add a splash of pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Noodles: You can substitute fettuccine noodles for any type of pasta, such as linguine, spaghetti, or penne. Just keep in mind that different pasta shapes will affect the texture of the dish.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
When it comes to weeknight meals, we all want something that’s not only quick but also delicious. This One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo ticks all the boxes: it’s fast, easy, and full of flavor. The fact that it’s made in just one pan makes cleanup a breeze, meaning you can focus more on enjoying the meal and less on washing dishes.
This dish is a great option when you want to impress your family or guests with a rich, flavorful dinner that doesn’t require a lot of effort. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a relaxing night at home, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
There you have it—an easy, quick, and incredibly satisfying recipe for One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just trying to get dinner on the table during a busy week, this dish will undoubtedly hit the spot. With its creamy Alfredo sauce, succulent shrimp, and tender fettuccine, it’s a comfort food classic that’s sure to become a family favorite.
