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Spicy Peppered Shrimp Alfredo

A luxurious pasta dish combining plump shrimp and creamy Alfredo sauce with a spicy kick, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the pasta
  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta Fresh pasta is incredible, but dried works too, just make sure it’s al dente!
For the shrimp
  • 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined) Choose fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure they’re wild-caught for the best flavor.
For the sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter Use unsalted butter for better control over the dish's saltiness.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds delicious flavor.
  • 1 small onion (chopped) For a sweeter taste, try using a yellow onion.
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh garlic packs the best flavor, but pre-minced can save time.
  • 1 cup mushrooms (sliced) Cremini or button mushrooms both work well.
  • 15 ounces Alfredo sauce Go for a high-quality store-bought variant, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious!
  • 1/2 cup Romano cheese (grated) For a punchier flavor, Parmesan can also be substituted.
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream Ensures the sauce is luxuriously creamy.
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice) Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
  • Salt and black pepper to taste Essential for flavor enhancement.
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) Adds color and freshness.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
  2. In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until soft. Next, add the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the shrimp and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn firm and pink. Be careful not to overcook them!
  4. Pour in the Alfredo sauce, Romano cheese, and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together and adjust the flavor as needed.
  6. Toss the cooked fettuccine in the sauce with the shrimp mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  7. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving, and maybe even a little extra Romano cheese if you’re feeling indulgent!

Notes

Make sure to taste your dish at each step—seasoning is everything! Also, avoid mushy shrimp by cooking them just until pink. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.