Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tsp garlic powder (for shrimp seasoning)
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tbsp garlic butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 16 oz fettuccine
• 1.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 0.25 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
• 8 garlic cloves (minced)
• 6 oz Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 oz cream cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, plus more for garnish)
• 1.5 tsp dried oregano
• 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1.5 tsp garlic powder (for sauce)
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• MSG (pinch, optional)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine the 1.5 lbs of peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

2. 2

   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp garlic butter and 1 tbsp olive oil.

3. 3

   Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.

4. 4

   Stir in the chopped parsley, then remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

5. 5

   Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.

6. 6

   Cook the 16 oz of fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente.

7. 7

   Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

8. 8

   In the same skillet used for the shrimp, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.

9. 9

   Add the 8 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

10. 10

    Stir in the red chili flakes, garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and MSG (if using). Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

11. 11

    Pour in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and add 1 oz of cream cheese. Stir until smooth, then let the sauce gently simmer for 3–5 minutes until it begins to thicken.

12. 12

    Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in 6 oz of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

13. 13

    Stir in the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

14. 14

    Add the cooked fettuccine and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.

15. 15

    Top with the cooked shrimp and garnish with additional Parmesan, fresh cracked black pepper, chopped parsley, and extra chili flakes, if desired.

16. 16

    Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Working in batches for the shrimp is important to ensure they sear rather than steam. Freshly grated Parmesan is highly recommended as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent the sauce from becoming perfectly smooth.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• shrimp
• seafood
• dinner
• creamy
• alfredo