Can I use jarred minced garlic instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh garlic gives a slightly brighter flavor, jarred minced garlic is a big weeknight time-saver and works just fine in this sauce.

What’s the best way to tell if shrimp are done?

Shrimp are ready when they’re pink, opaque, and curl into a loose ‘C’ shape. Overcooked shrimp tighten into an ‘O’ and get rubbery, so keep an eye on them—only 2-3 minutes per side!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the roasted red pepper sauce ahead and refrigerate. When ready to eat, cook the pasta and shrimp, reheat the sauce, and bring everything together in just a few minutes.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half will work in a pinch, though the sauce will be a bit lighter and less rich. Whole milk is a second-best option.

Shrimp Fettuccine with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe

If you’re hunting for a dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is secretly lightning fast and incredibly simple, Shrimp Fettuccine with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp mingling with silky noodles, all bathed in a creamy, smoky, and slightly sweet roasted red pepper sauce—the kind you’d swear was simmered for hours, but takes less than an hour from start to finish. This dish is my personal definition of quick comfort and elegance on a plate. The best part? With minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have a meal that wows your taste buds (and any lucky dinner guests), even on your busiest evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Impressive: You get all the flavor and elegance of a specialty restaurant dish with almost zero fuss.
Ready in Under an Hour: Even on your busiest days, this is totally doable—most of the cooking happens while the pasta boils.
Incredible Flavor: The sauce is creamy, garlicky, smoky, a little sweet, and perfectly complements the sweetness of shrimp.
Versatile: You can tweak it so easily to fit what you have on hand or your personal cravings.
Family-Favorite: Even picky eaters will go for seconds with this rich, satisfying pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are best for that sweet, tender bite. If using frozen, just make sure to thaw and pat dry.
Fettuccine Noodles: Classic and indulgent; their wide shape holds plenty of sauce (linguine also works).
Butter: Adds richness and helps the shrimp sear perfectly.
Roasted Red Peppers: The star of the sauce—use jarred for easy prep and lovely smoky, sweet notes.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates that luscious, velvety sauce texture you crave.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic boosts savory depth (don’t skimp!).
Parmesan Cheese: For salty, nutty flavor and to finish the sauce perfectly.
Paprika: Adds warmth, color, and just a little smokiness (smoked paprika is especially nice!).
Salt and Pepper: Season boldly; it’s the difference between bland and restaurant-quality.

Tip: Use good-quality Parmesan and real heavy cream for the creamiest, most flavorful sauce!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This is such a flexible recipe! Here’s how to switch things up:

Add Veggies: Toss in baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, or peas for extra color and nutrients.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat lovers.
Protein Swap: Substitute chicken strips, scallops, or even plant-based shrimp if you prefer.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan substitute for a creamy but lighter version.
Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free noodles to suit dietary needs.

How to Make Shrimp Fettuccine with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Step 1: Cook Fettuccine

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until just al dente (check for that perfect bite), then drain and set aside. Don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water for loosening the sauce, if needed.

Step 2: Puree Roasted Red Peppers

Meanwhile, add roasted red peppers to your blender or food processor. Puree until completely smooth—no chunks here! This becomes your delicious base.

Step 3: Sauté Shrimp

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper, and sauté until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side if large). Remove cooked shrimp to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add the garlic to the same skillet and sauté just until fragrant—don’t let it burn (about 30 seconds). Pour in your blended red peppers and let everything simmer, blending those delicious flavors for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Slowly stir in heavy whipping cream. Let the sauce simmer and thicken until it’s beautifully silky. Stir in parmesan cheese last—you’ll see the sauce become irresistibly creamy and glossy.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Return the shrimp and cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss everything gently so that every noodle is coated and each shrimp is nestled in sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, a splash of reserved pasta water will loosen things up perfectly. Now, serve hot, with an extra sprinkle of parmesan if you like!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Dry Shrimp Well: Moisture prevents a good sear and flavor; pat shrimp dry before cooking.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast! Remove as soon as they turn pink and opaque, or they’ll get rubbery.
Reserve Pasta Water: A few tablespoons of pasta water can loosen the sauce to perfect consistency.
Blend Sauce Smooth: Take that extra minute to blend red peppers completely smooth for the best texture.
Grate Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often clumps and doesn’t melt well—use fresh for ultimate creaminess.

How to Serve

This dish is absolutely satisfying on its own but shines even brighter with the right friends on the plate.

Garnishes:

Finish with fresh chopped parsley or basil and a generous handful of extra parmesan. A hint of lemon zest can brighten everything up, too.

Side Dishes:

Pair with a crisp green salad (think arugula, cherry tomatoes, lemon vinaigrette) or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli also make great sides.

Wine Pairing:

A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc balances the creamy sauce and sweet shrimp beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but loosening with a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water works wonders.

Freezing

This sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze separately if needed. Let the sauce cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a little cream or milk as needed. Microwave is okay for single portions, but stir in between intervals to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use jarred minced garlic instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh garlic gives a slightly brighter flavor, jarred minced garlic is a big weeknight time-saver and works just fine in this sauce.
What’s the best way to tell if shrimp are done?

Shrimp are ready when they’re pink, opaque, and curl into a loose ‘C’ shape. Overcooked shrimp tighten into an ‘O’ and get rubbery, so keep an eye on them—only 2-3 minutes per side!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the roasted red pepper sauce ahead and refrigerate. When ready to eat, cook the pasta and shrimp, reheat the sauce, and bring everything together in just a few minutes.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half will work in a pinch, though the sauce will be a bit lighter and less rich. Whole milk is a second-best option.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Fettuccine with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is truly one of those magic recipes—quick enough for a last-minute weeknight dinner but delicious enough to make any meal feel special. The flavors are bold, comforting, and so satisfying, and the whole process is as easy as it gets. If you’re looking for a fresh new dinner to fall in love with, give this recipe a try. I promise, it’s a keeper!