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Creamy One-Pot Shrimp Alfredo Pasta: Easy Weeknight Dinner

creamy one-pot shrimp alfredo pasta - featured image

This creamy one-pot shrimp alfredo pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that comes together in about 25 minutes. With simple ingredients like garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or linguine
  • 1 lb (450 g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Sear the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and golden. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Build the flavor base: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze the pot: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cook the pasta: Add the fettuccine (break in half if needed) and heavy cream. Stir, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened.
  6. Check the pasta: Taste a piece of pasta; it should be tender but with a slight bite. If too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
  7. Add the cheese and shrimp: Remove from heat. Stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth. Return the shrimp to the pot and stir gently.
  8. Finish with lemon and parsley: Add lemon juice and parsley. Stir, taste, and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Rest and serve: Let the pasta sit for 2-3 minutes off the heat, then serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and pat shrimp dry before cooking. Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp alfredo, one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, shrimp pasta, alfredo sauce