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Creamy Melt Shrimp Fettuccine

A delicious and comforting shrimp fettuccine with a creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Shrimp
  • 12 oz fettuccine (or gluten-free fettuccine)
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (large, tails off)
Butter and Oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
Aromatics and Liquids
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped (or 1/2 small onion)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional — substitute chicken or veggie stock)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or seafood stock
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
Cheese and Seasoning
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • 2 oz cream cheese (optional — for extra “melt” and creaminess)
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • to taste Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Serving Options
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
Optional Add-Ins
  • peas, cherry tomatoes halved, spinach, or arugula stirred in at the end Choose any or all for added flavor and nutrition.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–12 minutes); reserve 1 cup pasta water, drain pasta, and set aside.
  2. Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. When hot, add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1.5–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through; remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Sauté shallot for 2–3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in white wine (if using) and simmer for 1–2 minutes until reduced by half. Add stock and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce begins to thicken. Add cream cheese if using and whisk until smooth.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan a little at a time until melted and silky. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach desired consistency. Simmer for 1–2 more minutes.
  6. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Toss the cooked fettuccine and shrimp into the sauce, heating together for 1–2 minutes so flavors meld. If adding greens or peas, fold them in now to wilt and warm.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley or basil, and lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For a lighter sauce: use half-and-half or a mix of milk + 2 tbsp cornstarch whisked in to thicken. Low-carb option: swap fettuccine for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles. Gluten-free option: use certified gluten-free fettuccine. Vegetarian/Vegan swap: replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or chickpea tofu; substitute cream with full-fat coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Extra 'melt': stir in cream cheese or mascarpone. Storage: store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.