Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo With Chili Crisp

Shrimp fettuccine Alfredo gets a spicy twist with the addition of chili crisp — a flavor-packed condiment made with garlic, onions, peppers, and Sichuan spices. The buttery chili crisp mixture coats each shrimp with bold, savory heat, and when combined with cream and Parmesan, it creates an unforgettable sauce for pasta.

The dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknights. You can use any brand of chili crisp you like — Momofuku Chili Crunch is a favorite here — and adjust the heat level to taste. Serve it with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for a dish that’s as vibrant as it is comforting.

Ingredient Notes

• Shrimp – Use peeled, deveined shrimp. Medium or large shrimp work best. Keep the tails on or off as you prefer.
• Chili crisp – A flavorful, spicy condiment. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Butter – Forms the base of the sauce and carries the chili crisp flavor.
• Heavy cream – Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce.
• Parmesan cheese – Use freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.
• Fettuccine – Flat noodles hold the sauce well. Tagliatelle or linguine are good alternatives.
• Basil – Adds freshness and color. Optional but highly recommended.
• Pasta water – Reserve some before draining to help emulsify the sauce.

Steps to Make Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo With Chili Crisp

1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta. Cook the fettuccine until al dente and reserve some pasta water before draining.
2. Meanwhile, cook the shrimp in a mixture of butter and chili crisp until just opaque, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Return the butter and chili crisp to medium-low heat, then add the cream, Parmesan, and drained pasta. Toss to combine, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
4. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan and continue tossing until everything is hot and evenly coated.
5. Serve topped with fresh chopped basil and extra Parmesan.

Recipe Variations

• Use a different pasta. Instead of fettuccini, make the dish with tagliatelle or linguine. The cream sauce works nicely with flat pasta noodles, but if you only have penne or bucatini, you’ll still have a terrific dish.
• Trade the shrimp in for chicken. You can use leftover grilled or cooked chicken, or a rotisserie chicken, or cut 2 boneless chicken breasts into cubes and cook them in the butter and chili crisp until they are cooked through. Remove them from the pan and add them back after tossing the pasta with the Parmesan cheese.
• Go vegetarian. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, skip the shrimp and add some cooked and drained cannellini beans or use a plant-based protein. Extra cheese is another excellent option.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fresh sliced cucumbers or tomatoes.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or Caesar salad.
• Add a green vegetable such as broccolini or sautéed greens to round out the meal.

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