Get ready to fall in love with creamy, comforting pasta all over again! This Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is pure weeknight joy: plump, juicy shrimp tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine, all smothered in a dreamy Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a classic Italian-American dish that’s elegant enough for special occasions, but so quick and simple you’ll want to make it part of your regular dinner rotation. Trust me, every silky forkful makes it clear why this restaurant favorite deserves a spot in your home kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a short list of classic, easy-to-find ingredients work together to deliver deep flavors and that signature Alfredo silky texture. Each addition has a purpose: from the richness of the cream to the brightness of parsley, nothing is wasted in this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe!
- Fettuccine or pasta of choice (12 oz): Fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, but any sturdy pasta works beautifully to catch all that luscious sauce.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 pound): Plump shrimp soak up the creamy sauce and add tender, sweet protein to each bite.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): This helps the shrimp sear quickly, locking in their flavor while keeping them juicy.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Butter brings creaminess and classic flavor to the Alfredo sauce base.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Fresh garlic gives this dish its savory backbone and irresistible aroma.
- Heavy cream (1½ cups): The foundation for a rich, dreamy sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): The Parmesan melts into the sauce, delivering salty-nutty depth and that velvety finish.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Perfectly seasons the sauce and shrimp without overpowering their delicate flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A hint of pepper balances out the richness wonderfully.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a little heat.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, for garnish): A scatter of parsley brightens up the sauce and adds a pop of color to your plate.
How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a lively boil. Drop in your fettuccine (or your favorite pasta) and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Give it a gentle drain, reserving a scoop of the pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce later. Set the noodles aside while you work a little stovetop magic with the shrimp and sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the shrimp in a single layer and let them sizzle for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. These beauties cook fast, so keep an eye on them! Once done, scoop the shrimp out and set them aside—they’ll return to the party shortly.
Step 3: Build Your Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium and melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant—this is where the whole kitchen starts to smell amazing. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer for about 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens ever so slightly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Reduce the heat low, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, transforming it into a silky, glossy masterpiece. If your sauce ever gets too thick, just splash in a little reserved pasta water to reach the perfect consistency.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Toss the cooked shrimp and drained pasta into the skillet. Use tongs to gently mix everything together, making sure each noodle gets coated in that luxurious, creamy sauce. Heat everything through for a minute or two, and then you’re ready for the finishing touch.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Immediately transfer the Shrimp Alfredo Recipe to warmed plates or a big serving bowl. Shower everything with the fresh chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan, then dig in while it’s hot and creamy.
How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped fresh parsley is essential here—not just for a pretty pop of color but for a hint of brightness that lifts the creamy sauce. Don’t hold back with the extra shaved or grated Parmesan on top either! If you like a bit of zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon or a light dusting of black pepper can be a delicious finishing move.
Side Dishes
Shrimp Alfredo Recipe shines next to simple, Italian-style sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, and warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for soaking up every last spoonful of sauce. If you want to get a little fancier, try roasted asparagus or steamed green beans for added color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party, twirl mounds of pasta on each plate and drape shrimp artfully on top. Or go family-style and heap everything into a big serving platter, inviting everyone to help themselves. For a fun twist, serve Shrimp Alfredo Recipe in individual ramekins or bake the pasta briefly under the broiler for a bubbly, golden top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Shrimp Alfredo Recipe (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for an irresistibly creamy lunch the next day.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze Shrimp Alfredo Recipe, cream-based sauces have a tendency to separate and become grainy once thawed. For best results, enjoy fresh. If you do freeze, wrap portions tightly and thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating, giving the sauce a good stir to bring it back together.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta and shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat and add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through—you want to heat slowly so the sauce stays silky and the shrimp remain tender. Microwaving works in a pinch, but be sure to use short intervals and stir often for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw your frozen shrimp thoroughly under cold running water, pat them dry, and continue with the recipe as written. They’ll cook up deliciously—just make sure not to overcook for best results.
Is it possible to lighten up the sauce?
You can substitute half-and-half for some or all of the heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind it won’t be as rich or thick. For even more lightness, add a handful of steamed broccoli or baby spinach to bulk up the dish with veggies.
What can I use if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
While freshly grated Parmesan gives the most authentic flavor, you could substitute with Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano in a pinch. Even a blend of pre-grated Italian cheeses will melt well, but adjust the seasoning to taste since some cheeses are saltier.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
For the best texture, make everything just before serving. However, you can cook the pasta and shrimp ahead, store separately, and quickly assemble with the sauce at dinner time. The dish comes together so fast, it’s party-friendly even on short notice!
What type Main Course
Fettuccine is classic because it grabs onto the creamy sauce nicely, but linguine, spaghetti, or even short pastas like penne are fantastic choices. Just choose a shape that can hold a generous coating of Alfredo.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl and an absolute showstopper, whether you’re cooking for date night or treating yourself. Every bite is rich, creamy, and loaded with tender shrimp—it’s the kind of dish that instantly makes any meal feel special. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen!
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Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and luxurious Shrimp Alfredo pasta dish that is quick and easy to make. This recipe features succulent shrimp tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Fettuccine:
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook shrimp until pink, then set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Add shrimp and pasta to the sauce, toss until coated and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shrimp for convenience.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
