There’s something absolutely magical about a pasta dish that comes together in one skillet, especially when it tastes as indulgent and restaurant-worthy as One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo. Picture tender shrimp, silky noodles, and a decadent Parmesan cream sauce hugging every strand, all made with minimal fuss and just the right amount of flair. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or aiming to wow your loved ones with a home-cooked classic, this special Alfredo is about to be your new go-to delight.

One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo lies not just in how easily it comes together, but in the power of each carefully chosen ingredient. Each one brings its own special touch, from rich creaminess to fresh seafood flavor, making it utterly unforgettable.

Unsalted butter (3 tbsp, divided): Gives the dish its signature richness and is used for both beautifully browning the shrimp and developing the sauce’s base.
Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled & deveined): Offers tender, sweet bites that cook up quickly and soak in all the flavors of the sauce.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the whole skillet with an irresistible depth and aroma—don’t skip this!
Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds savory backbone and balances out the heaviness of the cream and cheese.
Whole milk (1 cup): Lends extra silkiness to the sauce without making it overly rich.
Fettuccine noodles (1/2 lb): Classic, flat noodles that soak up all the Alfredo sauce and keep each forkful lush.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): The star of any Alfredo—gives bold flavor and sets the silkiness of the sauce.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes for a truly lush, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle and shrimp.
Salt, pepper & pinch nutmeg: Enhance flavors and add just the right finishing note—especially the nutmeg, which brings warmth to the sauce.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens up the finished dish and gives a beautiful pop of color for serving.

How to Make One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Start by heating your large skillet over medium heat and melting 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once it’s bubbling lightly, add the shrimp. Allow them to cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, just until they’re opaque and gently pink—don’t overcook them! When they’re done, scoop the shrimp out and set them aside on a plate. This way, they stay perfectly tender and won’t get rubbery as you finish the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Add the last tablespoon of butter to the pan. As soon as it melts, toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant. You’ll want to keep it moving so it doesn’t burn—this step takes the flavor up a notch and turns your kitchen into a little slice of Italy.

Step 3: Simmer the Noodles

Pour in the chicken broth and whole milk, then add the uncooked fettuccine noodles. Gently stir to separate the pasta strands as much as you can. Bring everything up to a boil, then cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and let it all simmer for about 11 minutes. The noodles will soak up the liquids and become deliciously al dente, with all the flavors married together in one pan—no draining necessary!

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Once the noodles are just right, remove the lid and add in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir everything together until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is silky smooth. The kitchen will smell dreamy at this point—go ahead, have a little taste!

Step 5: Finish with Shrimp

Gently return the cooked shrimp back to the pan. Give everything a gentle stir so the shrimp are bathed in all that creamy Alfredo sauce. Take the skillet off the heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken up and cling perfectly to the noodles.

How to Serve One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Garnishes

Nothing makes a bowl of One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo pop like a final shower of freshly chopped parsley. It adds just the right brightness and a hint of peppery freshness. If you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of additional Parmesan or some freshly cracked black pepper right before serving looks stunning and adds another savory layer.

Side Dishes

This Alfredo is rich and satisfying all on its own, but pairing it with sides will make your meal feel complete. Try a crisp Caesar salad or a platter of roasted green veggies—broccoli, asparagus, or even a little lemony arugula are perfect to offset the creamy sauce. And, of course, a crusty baguette or warm garlic bread never hurt anyone when it comes to sopping up extra Alfredo.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not get a little playful with your plating? You can twirl the noodles into elegant nests with tongs and crown each with a few shrimp. For something dramatic, serve the pasta family-style in the skillet for a rustic look, or portion it into individual bowls and finish each with a drizzle of extra sauce and a pop of fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you), transfer any remaining One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken as it chills, but that’s easily brought back to life when you reheat it.

Freezing

While pasta in cream sauces isn’t always a freezer superstar, you can freeze this dish if needed. For best results, cool your Alfredo completely, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, and try to consume within a month. The sauce may separate a little when thawed, but a gentle stir while reheating helps restore its creamy magic.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to your pasta and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until everything is hot and sauces are smooth again. Microwaving works too—just be sure to stop and stir every so often to keep the sauce from overheating and breaking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This will help them brown nicely in the skillet and keep the sauce from getting watery.

What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the shrimp?

The key is to cook the shrimp briefly at the beginning and then add them back at the end to warm through. They should just turn pink and opaque—about one to two minutes per side is perfect. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery quickly, so keep a close eye!

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free fettuccine noodles for regular pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can cook a bit faster or slower depending on the brand.

Can I add vegetables to One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo?

Definitely! Frozen peas, baby spinach, or even a few sun-dried tomatoes can be stirred in just before adding the cooked shrimp. Not only do they add color, but they make the dish even more satisfying.

What other proteins work in this recipe?

If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can try sliced grilled chicken or even seared scallops for a twist. The creamy Alfredo sauce pairs well with all sorts of additions, so feel free to experiment!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal mess and all the wow-factor, this One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo absolutely delivers. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. Give it a try soon—you’ll fall in love with every dreamy, creamy forkful!

One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe