Shrimp Alfredo Recipe: Creamy, Delicious, and Easy to Make

If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, then Shrimp Alfredo is bound to be one of your favorites. This dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce, served over perfectly cooked fettuccine. 

It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily make at home in just 30 minutes! Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, a family meal, or simply indulging in comfort food, this Shrimp Alfredo recipe will satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Rich and Creamy: A luxurious sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.

• Protein-Packed: Juicy shrimp add a delicious seafood twist to traditional Alfredo pasta.

• Customizable: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color and flavor)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta

• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt, and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Combine Everything

Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently mix until well combined.

5. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Shrimp Alfredo to serving plates, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Alfredo

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and Parmesan cheese enhance the flavor.

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked.

• Use High-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-packaged varieties.

• Adjust the Thickness: If your Alfredo sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to thin it out.

• Enhance the Flavor: A dash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw them by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes or leaving them in the fridge overnight.

2. What Type of Pasta Works Best?

Fettuccine is the classic choice for Alfredo sauce, but you can use spaghetti, linguine, or even penne for a different texture.

3. Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use Greek yogurt for a protein-packed twist.

4. How Do I Store and Reheat Shrimp Alfredo?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

5. Can I Add Vegetables?

Absolutely! Broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions to this dish.

6. What Can I Serve with Shrimp Alfredo?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this rich dish.

7. Can I Make Alfredo Sauce Without Heavy Cream?

Yes! You can make a lighter version by using a roux-based sauce with butter, flour, and milk.

Conclusion

Shrimp Alfredo is a timeless classic that brings gourmet flavors to your home kitchen. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender shrimp, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite among pasta lovers! Let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Enjoy your meal!