One-Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner!
If you’re anything like me, the dinner table can sometimes feel like a battlefield after a long day. Between work, kids, and life’s unexpected curveballs, the thought of whipping up a fancy meal might make you want to hide in the closet with a piece of chocolate — I get it! That’s where my One-Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo comes to rescue you from a culinary crisis! This delightful dish is not just quick to make; it’s also delicious and leaves your kitchen sparkling clean (well, mostly).
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
This pasta wonder is the epitome of easy elegance. Picture this: tender shrimp mingling with luscious fettuccine in a creamy Alfredo sauce, all cooked up in a single pan! Yes, you read that right — no juggling pots and pans! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to impress or, let’s be honest, just feed your family without a meltdown. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that calls for a glass of wine (or two), because who deserves to unwind more than the busy chef of the household? 🍷
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking magic, let’s gather our simple yet scrumptious ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Steps to Create your One-Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
Cook the Fettuccine: In a large skillet, bring salted water to a boil, and cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside. (Don’t forget to save a cup of pasta water – it’s like liquid gold for creamy sauces!)
Sauté the Shrimp: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the shrimp and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Create the Sauce: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends with the cream. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Combine the Ingredients: Toss the cooked fettuccine into the Alfredo sauce, and add the shrimp back to the pan. Give it all a gentle toss, ensuring everything is nicely coated in that creamy goodness.
Garnish and Serve: Top your creation with chopped parsley (if you’re feeling fancy), and voila! Your One-Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is ready to be devoured.
Cooking Tips
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: One rule of thumb in shrimp-cooking is “They’re done when they’re pink!” Overcooked shrimp is like a rubber band — no one wants that in their pasta!
Cheese Me Up: Freshly grated Parmesan works wonders. You can even convince your kids it’s the “secret ingredient” for extra flavor — little do they know it was the only ingredient you had left!
Make It Your Own: Feel free to toss in some veggies like peas or spinach for added nutrition. Or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick — it’s your life, after all!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the shrimp?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken, or even a hearty vegetable medley for a vegetarian twist.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a dash of milk or cream to revive that creamy texture.
What can I serve with this dinner?
This dish pairs fabulously with a crisp garden salad or garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce!
As someone who knows the importance of quick, mouthwatering meals (because those kids are always hungry!), this One-Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo has easily found a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation. It’s creamy, dreamy, and yes, the cleanup is minimal — which means more time for dessert. Because let’s face it, life is too short to skip dessert!
So, there you have it! The next time you find yourself staring blankly into your fridge, consider this recipe your culinary GPS guiding you back to deliciousness! Now grab your apron and start cooking; dinner doesn’t stand a chance against this delightful dish!
For more easy and delicious recipes like this one, check out my other favorites like Creamy Chicken Tacos or Garlic Butter Pasta.
Meta Description: One-Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo makes dinner hassle-free. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish is perfect for busy nights. Try it today!

One-Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, bring salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside, saving a cup of pasta water.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines with the cream. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Toss the cooked fettuccine into the Alfredo sauce and add the shrimp back to the pan. Gently toss everything to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Top with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.