Shrimp, Peas, and Fettuccine

Name: Shrimp, Peas, and Fettuccine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup fresh or frozen peas; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of half a lemon; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Simple Supper Recipes

I love making Shrimp, Peas, and Fettuccine for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both elegant and comforting. The combination of fresh shrimp and sweet peas creates a delightful contrast, and the creamy sauce coats the fettuccine perfectly. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings. With a sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon, it’s a meal that brings a burst of flavor and happiness to our table, and my family keeps asking for seconds!

Created by

The Chefromankitchen Team

Last updated on 2026-02-06T15:21:27.102Z

Whenever I prepare Shrimp, Peas, and Fettuccine, I remember the first time I tried this recipe at a friend's dinner party. It blew me away with its simplicity and flavor. Using fresh shrimp makes a world of difference, as they cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully. We’ve experimented with adding spices, but I've found keeping it simple truly lets the main ingredients shine.

The key to perfecting this dish lies in the timing. I always start by boiling the fettuccine, then sauté the shrimp and peas, ensuring everything is ready at the same time. This method results in a creamy, cohesive dish that everyone loves. Don't forget to finish it with a splash of lemon juice, as it brightens the flavors spectacularly!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Fresh shrimp brings a briny sweetness to the dish.
Sweet peas add a pop of color and flavor.
Creamy sauce coats the fettuccine for a comforting texture.
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight meals.

Perfectly Cooked Fettuccine

Cooking fettuccine to the perfect texture is crucial for this dish. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta will still have a slight bite. Be sure to taste the pasta a minute or two before the recommended cooking time on the package. Overcooked fettuccine can become mushy, which detracts from the overall dish. A good visual cue is when the pasta has a slight firmness in the center; it should be soft but not falling apart.

After draining the fettuccine, consider tossing it with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together. This can be especially helpful if you are preparing the pasta a little ahead of time. Just be mindful not to overdo the oil; a teaspoon is sufficient to keep it glossy without making it greasy.

Enhancing Flavor with Ingredients

The brightness of lemon juice not only adds acidity but also balances the richness of the heavy cream in this dish. Freshly squeezing half a lemon right before serving will elevate the flavors significantly. You can also add more lemon zest during cooking to deepen the citrus notes without increasing the acidity too much. My secret tip is to taste the sauce before serving; if it feels too rich, a tad more lemon can work wonders.

When adding peas, fresh ones will provide a vibrant sweetness and pop. If you opt for frozen peas, ensure you add them straight from the freezer; they cook quickly and retain their bright green color. Either way, they should be bright and tender when mixed with the fettuccine. They also help to balance the dish’s temperature; a warm sauce and a burst of cool peas create a delightful contrast.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of half a lemon
Fresh parsley for garnish

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start cooking.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Shrimp, Peas, and Fettuccine:

Cook the Fettuccine

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink.

Add Peas and Cream

Add the peas to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing everything together. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Garnish and Serve

Serve the dish topped with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal!

Now that you’ve created this delightful dish, enjoy it with your loved ones!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider a splash of white wine while cooking the shrimp. You can also experiment with different types of pasta or even substitute the shrimp for chicken if you prefer a heartier meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, I recommend microwaving in short bursts while stirring in between to promote even heating. For best results, add a splash of cream or a drizzle of olive oil to avoid dryness. If using a skillet, heat gently over low-medium heat, adding a little liquid to help loosen the sauce, which can thicken while stored.

Avoid freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing, resulting in an unappealing texture. However, you can prepare the components separately: cook the fettuccine and shrimp ahead of time and mix with the sauce and peas when ready to serve, ensuring a fresher outcome.

Variations to Try

While shrimp is the star of this recipe, you can easily switch to scallops or even diced chicken for a different protein. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as scallops will cook in about 2-3 minutes per side, similar to the shrimp. Spicing it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes can also bring a delightful kick to the creamy sauce.

For a lighter version, consider substituting the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative like cashew cream. Keep in mind that using a lower-fat alternative may require a bit of cornstarch or flour to achieve a creamier texture, especially if you notice the sauce is thinner than expected during cooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just thaw and drain them before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative, but the sauce may not be as rich.

→ How do I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing for an extra kick.

→ Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

It's best served fresh, but you can prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance and throw it together when ready to eat.