Shrimp Alfredo: A Creamy and Indulgent Pasta Dish
Shrimp Alfredo is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that combines rich, creamy sauce, juicy shrimp, and tender pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.
With its buttery garlic shrimp, smooth Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, Shrimp Alfredo is a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even date nights. Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad, and you’ve got an elegant, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Alfredo
🍤 Rich, Creamy, and Comforting
The thick, cheesy Alfredo sauce coats every bite of pasta and shrimp for a luxurious and indulgent texture.
🕒 Quick and Easy
Ready in under 30 minutes, this is the perfect weeknight dinner without the hassle.
🍽 Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home
Save money and skip takeout—this dish is as good as (or better than) restaurant versions!
🌿 Customizable and Versatile
You can add vegetables, swap proteins, or use different pasta types to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Shrimp Alfredo
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
- Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions for Shrimp Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add garlic, shrimp, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
- Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, mixing well.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Alfredo
🌟 Use Fresh Parmesan
For a smooth, lump-free sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese.
🔥 Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly—overcooking will make them rubbery. Remove them as soon as they turn pink.
🍝 Add Reserved Pasta Water
This helps loosen the sauce and makes it stick better to the pasta.
🍋 Brighten the Flavor
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving enhances the dish’s richness.
How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo
🍽 As a Main Dish
Serve with crusty garlic bread or a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
🥦 With Vegetables
Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted broccoli for added nutrients.
🍷 With Wine
Pair with Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect match.
Variations to Try
🌿 Lighter Alfredo: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lower-calorie version.
🍗 Chicken Alfredo: Replace shrimp with grilled or rotisserie chicken for a different protein.
🌶 Spicy Alfredo: Add Cajun seasoning or extra red pepper flakes for a fiery twist.
🍋 Lemon Garlic Alfredo: Add lemon zest and juice for a zesty, refreshing flavor.
