Indulgent, creamy, and absolutely irresistible—One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food that feels fancy without the fuss. Imagine twirling tender fettuccine coated in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce, with juicy shrimp nestled in every bite. The flavors melt together in harmony, creating a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and deeply comforting. This is the kind of recipe that makes an ordinary evening feel like a special occasion.

What makes it even better? Everything comes together in a single pan, meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a romantic date night, or impressing guests with minimal effort. The buttery shrimp and the luscious Alfredo sauce create a restaurant-worthy experience right at your kitchen table.
Ingredients for One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter. Once the butter melts, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside—don’t overcook them, as they’ll go back into the pan later.
Step 2: Build the Alfredo Base
In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce
Add the uncooked fettuccine noodles to the simmering sauce. Stir to ensure they’re evenly distributed and coated. Let them simmer uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too quickly before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash more broth or water.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan and Shrimp
Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened to your liking, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently mix everything together. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the shrimp are warmed through.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot and creamy!
Storage Instructions
To keep your One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to use the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving can work in a pinch, but do it in short bursts and stir between intervals to prevent the sauce from separating.
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy nature of Alfredo sauce, which can become grainy once thawed. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days.
Estimated Nutrition
(Per Serving – based on 4 servings total)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Please note these values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of shrimp should I use?
Medium to large shrimp work best—just make sure they’re peeled and deveined. Tail-on or tail-off is up to your preference.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be thinner and less rich. For a healthier twist, add a tablespoon of flour to help thicken it if needed.
Is it okay to use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Broccoli, spinach, or peas make great additions. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking the pasta.
How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from curdling?
Cook on medium to low heat and avoid boiling the cream. Stir often and add cheese gradually at a lower temperature.
What’s the best pasta alternative for this dish?
Linguine or tagliatelle are great alternatives. Even penne works if you prefer shorter pasta.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and grate the cheese ahead to speed up the process. Cook everything when you’re ready to serve.
What wine pairs well with Shrimp Alfredo?
A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and seafood.

One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
If you’re looking for a quick dinner that feels fancy yet is effortless to make, One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is your answer. This creamy pasta dish combines tender fettuccine, juicy shrimp, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce—all cooked in a single pan. It’s one of those easy recipes that checks all the boxes for weeknight dinner ideas, romantic date nights, or even quick comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 oz fettuccine pasta
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add uncooked fettuccine noodles, stirring occasionally. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in parmesan cheese until melted.
- Return shrimp to the pan and mix everything gently until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner