One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo keeps the pasta, sauce, and shrimp in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and a sauce that thickens around the noodles as they cook. The shrimp is seared first, then removed so it stays tender while the fettuccine cooks in chicken broth and milk.
Heavy cream and Parmesan go in at the end, after most of the cooking liquid has been absorbed. That gives the Alfredo sauce a creamy finish without needing a separate pot for the pasta or a separate saucepan for the sauce.
If you like seafood pasta, try my Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo, Seafood Mac and Cheese, or browse the full Seafood collection.
Why This One-Pan Alfredo Works
Cooking the fettuccine directly in broth and milk gives the noodles more flavor and releases starch into the pan. That starch helps the Parmesan and cream form a thicker sauce once they are stirred in at the end.
The shrimp is cooked separately at the beginning because seafood does not need the same amount of time as the pasta. Pulling it out after a quick sear keeps it from becoming rubbery while the noodles simmer.
Ingredient Notes
- Large shrimp: Peeled, deveined shrimp make the dish quick to prep. Remove the tails before cooking for easier eating.
- Fettuccine: The flat noodles hold creamy Alfredo sauce especially well.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory flavor while the pasta cooks.
- Milk and heavy cream: Milk cooks with the pasta, while cream is added later for richness.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce.
- Nutmeg: Only a pinch is needed. It adds warmth without making the sauce taste sweet.
Tips for Creamy Shrimp Alfredo
- Do not overcook the shrimp. One to two minutes per side is usually enough for large shrimp.
- Stir the fettuccine halfway through. This helps separate the noodles while they cook in a smaller amount of liquid.
- Keep the heat low once the pasta boils. A gentle simmer reduces the risk of scorching the milk.
- Add Parmesan after most of the liquid is absorbed. The sauce thickens more smoothly this way.
- Let the pan rest before serving. Five minutes gives the sauce time to tighten around the noodles.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Alfredo sauce thickens when chilled, so add a splash of milk before reheating. Warm it gently over low heat or in short microwave intervals so the shrimp does not overcook.
One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 16 ounces large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces dry fettuccine noodles
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Parsley for garnish
How to Make One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until just opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Add the remaining butter and garlic to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring so the garlic does not burn.
- Add the chicken broth, milk, and fettuccine. Stir to separate the noodles.
- Bring the liquid to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 11 minutes or until the fettuccine is al dente. Stir once halfway through.
- Remove the lid. Most of the liquid should be absorbed.
- Add the heavy cream, Parmesan, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and stir gently to combine.
- Remove from the heat and let the pasta rest for about 5 minutes so the sauce can thicken.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes, but cooking time and liquid absorption may change. Long pasta shapes similar to fettuccine are the easiest substitute.
Why is my Alfredo sauce too thick?
The pasta may have absorbed more liquid than expected. Stir in a small splash of milk or broth until the sauce reaches the consistency you want.
Browse more easy pasta recipes and easy seafood recipes.