Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is the perfect example of comfort and sophistication coming together in a single dish. It features tender, juicy shrimp tossed with silky fettuccine pasta coated in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. This restaurant-style meal is simple to prepare at home, yet it tastes like something straight from an Italian trattoria.

The combination of plump shrimp and velvety sauce creates a satisfying dish that is both elegant and hearty. Whether you’re preparing a special date-night dinner or a cozy family meal, Shrimp Alfredo Pasta delivers every time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Shrimp Alfredo Pasta because it offers a beautiful contrast of flavors and textures. The shrimp bring a delicate sweetness and succulence, while the Alfredo sauce adds indulgent creaminess and richness. Every forkful feels luxurious but comforting.

Another reason this dish is special is how quickly it comes together. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a gourmet-quality meal that’s guaranteed to impress. It’s a dish that looks and tastes fancy without being complicated — the kind of recipe you can rely on again and again.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a must-try because it’s both simple and indulgent. The flavors are universally loved — buttery, garlicky, creamy, and cheesy — everything you want in a comfort meal. It’s also endlessly customizable; you can add vegetables, swap proteins, or adjust the sauce to your preference.

If you love Italian-inspired meals or creamy pastas, this recipe will instantly become one of your favorites. It’s restaurant-worthy, yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces (225g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For Garnish:

• Freshly chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
   Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
   Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
   Whisk in Parmesan cheese gradually until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Combine Everything:
   Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
   Return shrimp to the pan and toss everything together until heated through.
5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice (optional), and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Step 1: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Season shrimp and sauté in olive oil and butter until pink. Remove and keep warm.
3. Step 3: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add heavy cream and simmer gently.
5. Step 5: Whisk in Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
6. Step 6: Toss in pasta and shrimp, combining well. Add pasta water if needed for consistency.
7. Step 7: Garnish and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve Shrimp Alfredo Pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. A light squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors beautifully.

Perfect Pairings:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Caesar or arugula salad
• A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated gives a silkier sauce.
• Don’t overcook shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly — overcooking makes them rubbery.
• Adjust thickness: Add pasta water to loosen or simmer longer for a thicker sauce.
• Warm pasta: Always add warm pasta to the sauce for better absorption and texture.
• Use full-fat cream: For the best flavor and consistency, avoid using milk or half-and-half.

Variations

1. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach:
   Add 2 cups of fresh baby spinach to the sauce before mixing in the pasta for a nutrient boost.
2. Cajun Shrimp Alfredo:
   Season shrimp with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning for a spicy Southern twist.
3. Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo:
   Add steamed broccoli florets to make it a complete one-pan meal.
4. Mushroom Shrimp Alfredo:
   Sauté sliced mushrooms before making the sauce for a rich, earthy flavor.
5. Lemon Shrimp Alfredo:
   Stir in lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice to give it a refreshing brightness.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: It’s best to freeze the sauce and shrimp separately. The Alfredo sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months, but note that cream sauces may slightly separate when thawed. Stir while reheating to restore texture.
• Avoid freezing cooked pasta — it tends to become mushy when thawed. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or pasta spoon
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a true classic — rich, creamy, and brimming with flavor. The combination of buttery shrimp and luxurious Parmesan sauce creates a comforting yet elegant meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining guests. Once you make it, this dish will become a go-to favorite that you’ll look forward to enjoying again and again.

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Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Author: admin Cuisine: Italian Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 650 kcal per serving

Description

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is the perfect example of comfort and sophistication coming together in a single dish. It features tender, juicy shrimp tossed with silky fettuccine pasta coated in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound (450g)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces (225g)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For Garnish:

• Freshly chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Whisk in Parmesan cheese gradually until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
7. Return shrimp to the pan and toss everything together until heated through.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice (optional), and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Keywords: Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe