Description
Few dishes deliver the rich, indulgent comfort of shrimp fettuccine alfredo with mushrooms. This pasta masterpiece combines succulent shrimp, golden-browned mushrooms, and a luxurious Alfredo sauce over perfectly cooked fettuccine. Every bite is creamy, garlicky, and packed with umami goodness. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this dish is a guaranteed winner.
Ingredients
Pasta & Protein:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta (substitute with linguine or spaghetti if desired)
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 1 ½ cups mushrooms (cremini, baby bella, or shiitake for best flavor)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 ¾ cups heavy cream (full-fat for a rich and creamy sauce)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth (helps balance the sauce)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings & Garnish:
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (adds depth to the sauce)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta to Al Dente
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Reserve ¾ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Drizzle the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
💡 Tip: Reserved pasta water helps emulsify the Alfredo sauce, making it silkier.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms for Maximum Flavor
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add mushrooms in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
- Let them sear for 2-3 minutes without stirring—this allows browning.
- Stir occasionally and cook for another 5 minutes, until golden.
- Remove mushrooms from the pan and set aside.
💡 Tip: Never wash mushrooms under running water—they absorb moisture and won’t sear properly. Instead, wipe them with a damp paper towel.
3. Cook the Shrimp Without Overcooking
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Toss in shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once.
- Remove from heat when pink and opaque, then set aside.
💡 Tip: Shrimp continue cooking from residual heat, so remove them just before they’re fully done.
4. Make the Creamiest Alfredo Sauce
- In the same pan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium-low heat.
- Add garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Slowly incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Sprinkle in nutmeg for extra depth.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring often.
💡 Tip: Never let Alfredo sauce boil—high heat causes separation and a grainy texture.
5. Combine & Serve
- Return mushrooms and shrimp to the pan.
- Add cooked fettuccine, tossing gently in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo with Mushrooms:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan—pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and continue to firm up after removing from heat.
- Reserve pasta water—it helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Avoid high heat when making Alfredo sauce to prevent separation.
💡 Creative Variations:
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Make it extra creamy by adding mascarpone or cream cheese.
- Swap shrimp for chicken for a different protein twist.
💡 Best Side Dishes to Pair:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: ~650 kcal
- Fat: ~40g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Protein: ~35g