Name: Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 lb. frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined) $6.71; 1/2 lb. fettuccine $0.59; 2 Tbsp butter (divided) $0.20; 4 garlic cloves (minced) $0.16; 1 cup heavy cream $1.68; 3/4 cup Parmesan $1.08; 1/8 tsp salt (or to taste) $0.02; 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked, or to taste) $0.02; 1 Tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, optional) $0.10

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 13 reviews

Get ready to fall head over heels for Shrimp Alfredo—a creamy, decadent pasta dish that feels straight out of your favorite cozy Italian restaurant, but comes together in just 30 minutes at home. Plump, juicy shrimp mingle with tender fettuccine, all swirled in a luxuriously silky Alfredo sauce spiked with garlic and Parmesan. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weeknight or hoping to impress guests, this Shrimp Alfredo promises to bring pure comfort and restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this Shrimp Alfredo recipe pulls its weight, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that’s tough to resist. Here’s why each ingredient matters—and a few tips to maximize their magic!

Shrimp (½ lb.): Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp adds sweet, tender bites; pat dry and season well for maximum flavor.
Fettuccine (½ lb.): The classic noodle for Alfredo—its flat, wide surface holds that creamy sauce beautifully.
Butter (2 Tbsp, divided): A touch of richness; using half for cooking shrimp and half for sautéing garlic delivers layers of depth.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses that unmistakable aroma and savoriness—be sure not to brown it for the best flavor.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): The backbone of your Alfredo, making the sauce velvety and indulgent.
Parmesan Cheese (¾ cup): Stirred in to melt, it adds cheesy, slightly nutty notes and thickens the sauce naturally.
Salt (⅛ tsp or to taste): Essential for balancing all the flavors; season at every step for best results.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp, freshly cracked): A finishing hit of spice—freshly ground really makes a difference here.
Fresh Parsley (1 Tbsp, chopped, optional): Brings a pop of green freshness and brightens up the finished pasta.

How to Make Shrimp Alfredo

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

If you’re using frozen shrimp, start by letting them thaw and then peel them (tails on or off—your call!). Pat them dry with a paper towel so they sear instead of steam, and season with a little salt and pepper. This gives each bite extra savor.

Step 2: Cook the Fettuccine

Fill a big pot with water, bring it to a rolling boil, and drop in your fettuccine. Cook the pasta until tender, stirring occasionally (usually 7 to 10 minutes). Before draining, scoop out half a cup of the pasta water—it’s liquid gold for later loosening the Alfredo sauce!

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your shrimp in a single layer and cook for just 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they’re opaque and pink. Don’t overdo it, or they’ll get rubbery. Transfer the shrimp to a clean bowl so they stay juicy.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce Base

Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the remaining butter. Stir in your minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes—without letting it brown. This gentle cooking keeps the garlic sweet and mellow.

Step 5: Build a Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the cream heat up until it’s just starting to simmer. Then gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and dreamy.

Step 6: Toss Everything Together

Return the drained fettuccine and cooked shrimp (plus any juices!) to the skillet. Toss gently so every strand gets cloaked in Alfredo goodness. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water until it’s the perfect silky consistency.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Taste and add more salt or cracked pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. It’s time to twirl and savor your homemade Shrimp Alfredo masterpiece!

How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley not only adds gorgeous color but also brings brightness to each bite. You can also shower a little extra Parmesan on top or grate fresh lemon zest over the plated pasta for a hint of zing. Red pepper flakes are great if you like a gentle heat alongside all that creaminess.

Side Dishes

Shrimp Alfredo is wonderfully rich, so it pairs well with lighter sides. A crisp green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette cuts through the sauce, while garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop. Roast asparagus or steamed broccoli add a pop of green and freshness to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For date night, plate the Shrimp Alfredo in shallow pasta bowls and nestle the shrimp on top for extra flair. When serving family-style, present the pasta in a big, beautiful platter sprinkled generously with parsley and cheese. You can even serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets or ramekins for a fun twist and an added touch of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, leftover Shrimp Alfredo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld and become even more savory, but keep in mind—the sauce will thicken as it sits.

Freezing

Alfredo sauce is notoriously tricky to freeze since dairy can sometimes separate, but if you must freeze, portion leftovers into small containers and seal tightly. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to avoid a grainy texture.

Reheating

To bring Shrimp Alfredo back to its creamy best, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly and adding a splash of milk or cream as needed to smooth out the sauce. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts and stir often to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for Shrimp Alfredo?

Absolutely! If using pre-cooked shrimp, simply stir them in at the very end just to heat through. Skip the sautéing step so they stay tender and juicy.

Is it possible to use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute whole milk, but your sauce will be less creamy and may not thicken as nicely. For a lighter version, blend whole milk with a splash of half-and-half or use evaporated milk.

What kind of Parmesan is best for Alfredo sauce?

Always choose freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and sauce texture—pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

Can I make Shrimp Alfredo gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free fettuccine or another pasta alternative, but cook just until tender for the best texture.

How can I add extra vegetables to this dish?

Feel free to throw in quick-cooking veggies like baby spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms right before combining the pasta and sauce. It’s an easy way to get more color and nutrition in each bite.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp Alfredo has a well-earned spot in any comfort food lover’s rotation—and now you can whip it up fast, any night of the week. Gather your ingredients, embrace the creamy goodness, and treat yourself (and your lucky guests!) to a dreamy homemade dinner. Don’t be surprised if you have requests for seconds!