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If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture perfectly cooked, juicy shrimp nestled in tender fettuccine, all smothered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce—this meal hits every mark for an indulgent yet surprisingly simple dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this recipe promises a deliciously satisfying experience that feels like a restaurant-quality delight straight from your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that combine to create incredible depth and creaminess. Each item plays a crucial role: shrimp brings the fresh, sweet ocean flavor; butter and garlic create a fragrant base; heavy cream and Parmesan ensure the sauce is luxuriously smooth; and fettuccine makes every bite perfectly hearty and satisfying.
- ½ lb. shrimp (frozen or fresh, peeled and deveined): Choose medium-sized shrimp for the ideal bite size and sweetness.
- ½ lb. fettuccine: This pasta’s broad ribbons hold the creamy sauce beautifully, making every forkful indulgent.
- 2 Tbsp butter, divided: Adds richness and helps build the flavor layers in both the shrimp and sauce.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Delivers a fragrant, savory kick essential to Alfredo’s classic taste.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky texture that defines this luscious sauce.
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Provides the sharp, nutty flavor that perfectly balances the cream.
- ⅛ tsp salt, or to taste: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste: Adds just the right touch of warmth and complexity.
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Brightens the plate with a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Thaw and Prepare the Shrimp
Start by completely thawing your shrimp, whether fresh or frozen. Peel them if they aren’t prepped already, and decide if you want to keep the tails on for a more elegant presentation or remove them for easy eating. Pat the shrimp dry carefully to help them sear beautifully, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a brisk boil and toss in the fettuccine. Cooking it until tender takes about 7 to 10 minutes—perfect for soaking up the Alfredo sauce. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; it’s a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency later on.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
In a hot skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and swirl it around to coat evenly. Add your shrimp and cook them quickly, about 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they turn opaque and pink. Watch carefully so they don’t overcook—you want them juicy and tender. Once done, remove them to a bowl but keep those delicious juices in the pan for added flavor.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium-low and melt your remaining tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes. The goal here is to coax out that wonderful aroma without allowing the garlic to brown and turn bitter.
Step 5: Create the Alfredo Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with garlic and whisk it well to capture all the tasty browned bits left behind from the shrimp. Bring the cream up to a gentle simmer which helps it thicken just enough to coat every strand of pasta to come.
Step 6: Add Parmesan and Seasonings
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts fully into the cream, turning your sauce velvety smooth and irresistibly cheesy. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate the richness and bring balance.
Step 7: Combine the Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
Return the cooked fettuccine and shrimp to the skillet, including any juices from the shrimp. Toss everything together to ensure the creamy sauce clings to the noodles beautifully. If you find the sauce is a bit too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until it reaches your perfect, luscious consistency.
Step 8: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give your dish a final taste test and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. For a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its richest and the shrimp at their juiciest.
How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish like chopped fresh parsley not only adds a delightful splash of green but also brings a hint of freshness that brightens the creamy richness of the Alfredo sauce. For a little extra zing, a twist of lemon zest can also work wonders, cutting through the creaminess with a cheerful note.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or steamed asparagus can provide a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce—because who wants to waste that deliciousness?
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve individual portions in shallow pasta bowls, topping them with the shrimp neatly arranged for a restaurant-style look. You might even sprinkle additional Parmesan at the table so everyone can add as much cheesy goodness as they desire. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can impress guests with very little extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the Shrimp Alfredo Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. This helps preserve the delicate flavors and keeps the sauce from thickening too much. When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently to maintain that creamy consistency.
Freezing
Freezing Shrimp Alfredo is possible but not ideal since the cream sauce can separate upon thawing. If you must freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and consume within one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results, then gently reheat while stirring frequently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as it warms. This careful approach preserves the silkiness of the sauce and prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it can cause uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor. Frozen shrimp makes this dish just as convenient and delicious.
What type of pasta works best in Shrimp Alfredo Recipe?
Fettuccine is the classic choice since its wide, flat noodles hold onto the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully. However, linguine or tagliatelle work well too if you want a slight twist.
How can I make the Alfredo sauce thicker or thinner?
If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until it loosens to your liking. If it’s too thin, allow it to simmer gently a bit longer to reduce and thicken naturally.
Can I substitute the heavy cream in this recipe?
Heavy cream is key for that velvety texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version. Keep in mind this might yield a thinner sauce that won’t be quite as rich.
Is it possible to make this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, though it will change the flavor and texture. You can use dairy-free cream substitutes and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, but the classic creamy taste won’t be exactly the same.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making a homemade Shrimp Alfredo Recipe that’s rich, creamy, and packed with fresh flavors, all in about 30 minutes. It’s that perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity that makes it a go-to comfort food. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms ordinary ingredients into a memorable meal you’ll want to make time and again.
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Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Shrimp Alfredo recipe is a creamy, luscious pasta dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress guests. The sauce is velvety and smooth, complementing the perfectly cooked fettuccine and succulent shrimp for a classic Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- ½ lb. frozen or fresh medium-sized shrimp (36/40, peeled and deveined)
- ½ lb. fettuccine
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ⅛ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper or to taste
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Thaw and prepare shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely. Peel if needed and decide whether to leave the tails on or remove them based on your preference. Pat dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until tender, about 7-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water and then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Swirl to coat the pan, then add the shrimp. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until shrimp turn opaque and pink, taking care not to overcook. Remove shrimp to a clean bowl, saving any juices in the skillet.
- Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low and add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter along with minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with garlic, whisking and scraping up any browned bits. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan and season: Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and fully melted. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta, shrimp, and sauce: Return drained pasta and cooked shrimp, including any accumulated shrimp juices, to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
- Reserving pasta water helps adjust the consistency of the sauce perfectly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice brightness as a garnish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
