Pasta

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo with White Wine

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo with White Wine is a rich, creamy, and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender shrimp, silky Alfredo sauce, and the subtle depth of white wine. This recipe elevates the classic Alfredo with a touch of elegance, perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or a comforting weeknight meal.

The fettuccine noodles are coated in a luscious sauce, while the shrimp add a flavorful, protein-rich component. Quick to prepare yet restaurant-quality, this dish is a must for anyone who loves creamy, garlicky pasta with a seafood twist.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it balances indulgence and freshness beautifully. The creamy Alfredo sauce clings perfectly to the fettuccine, while the white wine adds subtle acidity that brightens the dish. Juicy, tender shrimp complement the richness, creating a luxurious texture with every bite.

It’s elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. This recipe never fails to impress guests or satisfy a craving for comfort food with a gourmet touch.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it transforms a familiar favorite into an elevated, flavorful experience. The addition of white wine gives depth and sophistication to the creamy Alfredo sauce, while perfectly cooked shrimp add texture and protein.

It’s a complete meal that is decadent yet approachable, making it ideal for dinner parties, romantic meals, or a self-indulgent treat. Every bite is rich, buttery, and unforgettable.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: ~650 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

  • Cuisine: Italian / Seafood / Comfort Food
  • Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine pasta
  • 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Simple Cooking Directions

  1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat; sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side.
  4. Pour in white wine, simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper; stir until sauce thickens.
  6. Toss cooked fettuccine in sauce and combine with shrimp.
  7. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add shrimp in a single layer; cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  • Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine

  • Pour white wine into the skillet; scrape up any browned bits.
  • Simmer 2 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

  • Lower heat to medium-low.
  • Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  • Stir until sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

  • Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet; toss to coat in sauce.
  • Return shrimp to the pan and mix gently.
  • If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
  • Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright finish.

How to Serve

  • Serve hot as a main course for dinner or special occasions.
  • Pair with garlic bread or a light green salad for a complete meal.
  • A chilled glass of white wine complements the flavors perfectly.

Additional Recipe Tips

  • Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, richer sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  • Simmer the sauce gently; avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

Variations

  • Spicy Shrimp Alfredo: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.
  • Mushroom and Shrimp Alfredo: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic before adding cream.
  • Lemon Garlic Alfredo: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the sauce for a bright flavor.
  • Penne or Linguine: Substitute fettuccine with your preferred pasta shape.
  • Low-Fat Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter.

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  • Freezing: Not recommended as cream-based sauces may separate when frozen.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or tongs for tossing pasta
  • Grater for Parmesan cheese

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I use dry pasta ahead of time?
Cook pasta al dente, then toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Q3: Can I make this without wine?
Yes, substitute with chicken or vegetable broth; wine adds subtle depth but is optional.

Q4: Can I make this ahead?
Prepare shrimp and sauce separately; combine just before serving for best texture.

Q5: Can I add vegetables?
Yes, broccoli, peas, or asparagus work well with this dish.

Conclusion

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo with White Wine is a decadent, restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and quick to prepare.

The combination of tender shrimp, rich Alfredo sauce, and subtle white wine makes every bite luxurious and satisfying. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or special occasions, this recipe brings comfort and elegance together in one delicious dish.

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo with White Wine

Recipe by Rhonda AndersonCourse: PastaCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

35

minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine pasta

  • 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup dry white wine

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

  • Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

  • Step 1: Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  • Step 2: Cook the Shrimp : In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp in a single layer; cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  • Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine : Pour white wine into the skillet; scrape up any browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  • Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce : Lower heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
  • Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp : Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet; toss to coat in sauce. Return shrimp to the pan and mix gently. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen sauce.
  • Step 6: Garnish and Serve : Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright finish.