One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is the perfect balance of elegance and ease, bringing restaurant-quality comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal cleanup.

Juicy shrimp, tender fettuccine, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce come together in a single pan, allowing every ingredient to absorb and amplify flavor as it cooks.

Finished with a hint of nutmeg and fresh parsley, this dish delivers indulgent creaminess without feeling heavy—ideal for cozy weeknights, date nights at home, or anytime you crave a luxurious pasta experience made simple.

Why People Will Love This One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe:

One-pan convenience without sacrificing flavor
Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup easy while allowing the pasta to absorb the rich, savory sauce as it cooks.

Restaurant-quality results at home
Creamy Alfredo sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and tender fettuccine deliver a dish that feels indulgent and polished without requiring advanced cooking skills.

Rich, balanced creaminess
The combination of butter, milk, cream, and Parmesan creates a silky sauce that’s luxurious but not overly heavy.

Juicy, tender shrimp in every bite
Shrimp are cooked quickly and returned at the end, ensuring they stay plump, flavorful, and never rubbery.

Subtle depth of flavor
Garlic, nutmeg, and Parmesan add warmth and complexity that elevate the sauce beyond a basic Alfredo.

Time-efficient yet impressive
This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights while still feeling special enough for guests.

Highly adaptable
It’s easy to adjust the creaminess, swap pasta types, or add vegetables, making it flexible for different tastes and dietary needs.

Comfort food appeal
Creamy pasta has universal appeal, offering warmth, familiarity, and satisfaction in every forkful.

Perfect for both casual and special occasions
Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy date night, this dish fits the moment beautifully.

Minimal effort, maximum reward
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, the payoff feels far greater than the effort required.

Key Ingredients:

Shrimp – Tender, juicy shrimp bring a delicate sweetness and protein-rich heart to the dish, balancing the richness of the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Fettuccine Pasta – Wide, flat noodles are ideal for catching and holding the velvety sauce, ensuring every bite is coated with creamy goodness.

Butter and Garlic – This classic pairing forms the aromatic foundation of the sauce, adding warmth, depth, and savory richness.

Milk and Heavy Cream – Together, they create a smooth, luscious texture that’s indulgent yet balanced, preventing the sauce from feeling too heavy.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding salty, nutty complexity and authentic Alfredo flavor.

Chicken Broth – Cooking the pasta directly in broth infuses it with flavor from the inside out while helping build a rich, savory base.

Nutmeg – Just a pinch enhances the creaminess with subtle warmth and depth, elevating the sauce without overpowering it.

Fresh Parsley – A final sprinkle adds freshness, color, and a light herbal contrast to the rich sauce.

Expert Tips:

Cook shrimp briefly and remove early
Shrimp cook very quickly. Sauté them just until opaque and lightly pink, then remove from the pan. This prevents overcooking and keeps them juicy when added back later.

Season shrimp lightly at the start
A small pinch of salt and pepper enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness without overpowering the sauce.

Use freshly grated Parmesan only
Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Fresh Parmesan ensures a silky, cohesive sauce.

Add cheese off high heat
Lower the heat or remove the pan from the burner before stirring in Parmesan to avoid grainy or broken sauce.

Stir pasta occasionally, not constantly
Stirring too often can cause pasta to release excess starch too quickly. Gentle, occasional stirring ensures even cooking.

Keep liquid just at a simmer
A rolling boil can reduce liquid too fast and cook pasta unevenly. A steady simmer gives better control and creamier results.

Reserve pasta liquid before thickening
If the sauce thickens too much, a splash of starchy cooking liquid restores smoothness without diluting flavor.

Add cream gradually
Pour in the heavy cream slowly while stirring to help the sauce emulsify evenly.

Use nutmeg sparingly
Nutmeg should whisper, not shout. A tiny pinch enhances creaminess without tasting “spiced.”

Let the dish rest before serving
Resting for 5 minutes allows the sauce to thicken naturally and cling better to the pasta.

Reheat gently
Warm leftovers over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to maintain a smooth sauce and tender shrimp.

One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Ingredients

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tbsp of unsalted butter, divided

1 c. milk

16 oz. large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed

2 c. chicken broth

1 c. Parmesan cheese, grated

¼ tsp pepper

½ c. heavy cream

Pinch nutmeg

Parsley to garnish

8 oz. fettuccine noodles, dry

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a pan, melt two tbsp butter over medium heat.

Once the butter has melted, add the shrimp and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side.

In a bowl, transfer the cooked shrimp.

Cover the bowl and let the shrimp cool.

Step 2:

To the same pan, add the rest of the butter along with the garlic.

Cook for about 30 seconds.

Pour in the chicken broth and milk.

Then, toss in the noodles.

Step 3:

Put the lid on once the mixture is boiling and adjust the heat to low.

Simmer for approximately 11 minutes, stirring once.

Step 4:

To the pan, add the heavy cream along with the Parmesan cheese, pepper, and nutmeg.

Mix well until the cheese has melted. Then, return the shrimp to the pan.

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Stir until incorporated.

Step 5:

Take the pan off the heat and let the dish sit for about 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Before serving, garnish with some parsley.

Enjoy!

Tips:

Before reheating, add a splash of heavy cream or milk. This will prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating.

Important Notes When Making One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo:

Shrimp overcook easily – Removing the shrimp early is essential. Leaving them in while the sauce simmers will make them rubbery.

Sauce consistency changes quickly – Alfredo sauce thickens fast, especially as it cools. Always judge thickness at serving time, not while piping hot.

Dairy reacts to high heat – Boiling after adding cheese or cream can cause separation. Keep the heat low once dairy is introduced.

Pasta absorbs sauce as it rests – Expect the dish to thicken after sitting for a few minutes. This is normal and desirable.

Nutmeg is optional but impactful – Even a small amount adds warmth and depth. Too much can overpower the sauce.

Salt carefully – Parmesan and broth already contain salt. Taste before adding more to prevent oversalting.

Fresh cheese matters – Grated Parmesan from a block melts smoother than pre-packaged varieties.

Not ideal for long holding times – This dish is best served fresh. Extended holding can cause pasta to over-soften and sauce to tighten.

Reheating requires moisture – Always add a splash of milk, cream, or broth when reheating to restore creaminess.

Pan size affects results – Use a wide, deep pan so pasta cooks evenly and sauce reduces at the right pace.

How to Enjoy One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo After Cooking

Let it rest briefly
Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes off the heat. This helps the sauce thicken naturally and cling perfectly to the pasta.

Gently toss before serving
Give the pasta a slow, gentle toss to redistribute the sauce and shrimp evenly without breaking the noodles.

Serve warm, not piping hot
Alfredo sauce shines when warm and creamy. Extremely high heat can dull flavors and separate the sauce.

Finish with fresh elements
Sprinkle chopped parsley, freshly cracked black pepper, or extra Parmesan just before serving to enhance aroma and freshness.

Choose the right plate or bowl
Shallow bowls or wide pasta plates keep the sauce evenly spread and prevent pooling.

Pair with complementary sides
Serve with garlic bread, crusty baguette, or focaccia to soak up the sauce. A crisp green salad adds balance.

Add optional enhancements
A squeeze of lemon brightens richness, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat.

Enjoy slowly
This dish rewards unhurried eating—each bite blends creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta.

Handle leftovers with care
Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or cream, stirring slowly to restore silkiness.

Best enjoyed fresh or next day
The pasta is at its peak the day it’s made, but leftovers remain delicious when reheated gently.

Nutrition Information:

Values are approximate and based on 1 serving, assuming the recipe yields 4 servings.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of pasta for this dish, or is fettuccine the best choice?

You can certainly use different types of pasta for this recipe if you prefer.

Fettuccine noodles work well, but you can try linguine, spaghetti, or even penne if you like.

Just be mindful of the cooking time, as it may vary depending on the pasta you choose.

Is there a suitable substitute for heavy cream in this recipe for a lighter option?

Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.

Keep in mind that this will result in a slightly less creamy sauce, but it can still be delicious.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.

You can thaw them in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in a sealed plastic bag immersed in cold water.

Pat them dry before cooking.

What can I serve as side dishes with this one-pan shrimp fettuccine Alfredo?

This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Choose your favorite sides to complement the meal.

Can I make this recipe in advance and reheat it later?

You can make this recipe in advance, but pasta dishes like this are best enjoyed fresh.

If you do need to reheat it, be sure to do so gently to prevent overcooking the shrimp and to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.

Can I use precooked shrimp for this recipe to save time?

Yes, you can use precooked shrimp, but be cautious not to overcook them when adding them to the pan later.

Simply warm them through in the sauce, as they’re already cooked, to avoid making them tough.

What can I substitute for the nutmeg if I don’t have it on hand?

If you don’t have nutmeg, you can omit it or use a small pinch of ground cinnamon or allspice for a similar warm and aromatic flavor.

Can I make this dish without butter to reduce the fat content?

You can use a butter substitute or olive oil if you want to reduce the butter content.

Just keep in mind that it might affect the flavor and creaminess of the dish.

How do I know when the fettuccine noodles are perfectly cooked?

The best way to check if fettuccine noodles are cooked to your liking is to taste them.

They should be tender but still have a slight “bite” or al dente texture.

Keep in mind that they will continue to cook slightly as they sit in the hot sauce.

Can I add vegetables like broccoli or peas to this dish for more color and flavor?

Absolutely, you can add vegetables to this recipe.

Steam or blanch vegetables like broccoli, peas, or asparagus separately and mix them into the dish when you add the shrimp.

This will add color and extra flavor to your fettuccine Alfredo.