Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of restaurant-quality comfort food you can whip up at home, this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that feels fancy but comes together surprisingly easily—trust me, you’re going to love it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role—from the fresh garlic that wakes up the sauce to the Parmesan that gives it that irresistible cheesy depth.

• Shrimp (½ lb.): Medium-sized, peeled and deveined for tender, juicy bites that cook quickly and soak up flavor.
• Fettuccine (½ lb.): This pasta’s wide ribbons are perfect for holding on to the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Butter (2 Tbsp): Divided use to add richness when cooking shrimp and building the sauce.
• Garlic (4 cloves): Minced fresh garlic gives the sauce that aromatic punch.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): This is the silky base that makes the sauce delightfully luscious.
• Parmesan Cheese (¾ cup): Freshly grated for the sharp, savory flavor that defines Alfredo sauce.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to bring all flavors together beautifully.
• Fresh Parsley (1 Tbsp, optional): For a pop of color and a subtle fresh herb note that brightens the plate.

Variations

One of the best things about this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is how effortlessly you can customize it to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or even whatever you have on hand. Let’s explore some fun variations you can try!

• Swap the Shrimp: Use chicken breast, scallops, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
• Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes to brighten up the dish and add texture.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for those who like a little heat.
• Lower Fat Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use a bit less butter for a lighter sauce.

How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta

Get a large pot of water boiling for your fettuccine. Add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta until tender—usually about 7-10 minutes. Remember to scoop out and save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; it’s pure gold for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later!

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

While your pasta cooks, pat your shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque—about a minute or two per side—and be careful not to overcook. Set the shrimp aside once done.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, around 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk gently, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Once warm and starting to simmer, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked shrimp and drained fettuccine back to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are generously coated in that dreamy Alfredo sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up perfectly. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed, then sprinkle with fresh parsley for that final touch of freshness.

How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a lovely pop of green but also offers a subtle herbal freshness that balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce. For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of freshly cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten things up.

Side Dishes

This creamy shrimp pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, green sides like garlic sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is always a crowd-pleaser too! These sides help round out the meal without competing with the star flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your shrimp Alfredo in individual shallow bowls to showcase the creamy noodles and plump shrimp. For a special touch, garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. Or turn it into an impressive dinner party centerpiece by arranging the pasta in a large serving dish and topping with extra Parmesan curls and freshly cracked black pepper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Shrimp Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge; it will keep well for up to 2 days. Because of the dairy, it’s best enjoyed fresh but properly sealed leftovers reheat nicely.

Freezing

I generally don’t recommend freezing Alfredo pasta with shrimp, as the cream sauce can sometimes separate and the shrimp texture may change after thawing. If you want to freeze, consider freezing just the sauce or pasta separately and adding freshly cooked shrimp after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much. Using the microwave is fine but reheat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it creamy and even.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe enough—it’s the perfect blend of comforting and elegant, and you can create it with ease right in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or special occasion dinner, this creamy, garlicky pasta will quickly become a cherished favorite. So grab your skillet and get ready to impress!

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