1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Drizzle with lemon juice.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, if using.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly. If the sauce thickens too much upon cooling, add a bit more pasta water to loosen it.
5. Add the Shrimp
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
6. Serve
Serve the Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for Perfect Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- Pasta Water: Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency as needed. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Serving Temperature: Serve the dish immediately while it’s hot to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy Alfredo sauce and the succulent shrimp wonderfully.
This dish is a celebration of flavors and textures, marrying the richness of Alfredo sauce with the delicate taste of shrimp. Enjoy this luxurious meal with your loved ones for a truly memorable dining experience.