shrimp alfredo pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
shrimp alfredo pasta recipe
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The Best shrimp alfredo pasta recipe

I’ve been making shrimp alfredo pasta for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish originated in Italy, where fettuccine is tossed with Parmesan cheese, butter, and sometimes shrimp or other seafood. The creamy sauce and tender noodles are a match made in heaven.

I like to use fresh shrimp, but you can also use frozen if that’s what’s available. The key to making a good shrimp alfredo is to cook the noodles al dente, so they still have some bite to them. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.

I also like to add some steamed broccoli on the side to make the dish feel more substantial. My kids love it when I serve this with garlic bread on the side – it’s their favorite part of the meal! Shrimp alfredo is a great option for a weeknight dinner because it’s quick and easy to make.

I can have it on the table in about 20 minutes, which is perfect for our busy schedule. Plus, it’s a healthy option because we’re using lean protein and plenty of vegetables. My husband is a big fan of this dish because he loves the rich flavor of the sauce.

And let me tell you, it’s not just for special occasions – we make it all the time! Whether we’re having a family dinner or just need a quick meal, shrimp alfredo always hits the spot.

Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

4.9 from 795 votes

A rich and indulgent pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp in a velvety Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a special dinner or date night.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 tbsp salt for pasta water

For the Shrimp

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Alfredo Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

For Garnish

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
4While the pasta is cooking, season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
5Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
7Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
8In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
9Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
10Be careful not to burn the garlic.
11Add the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
12Stir well to combine.
13Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
14Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
15If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
16Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
17Toss well to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
18If needed, add more pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
19Serve the shrimp Alfredo pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
20Enjoy your creamy and delicious meal.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Tongs
Wooden spoon
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 185mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to make it a more well-rounded meal.

Watch Video Of How Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Works

This shrimp alfredo pasta recipe is one of my go-to dishes for any occasion – whether we’re having a family dinner or just need a quick meal. It’s easy to make and always a hit with my family.

One thing I love about this recipe is that it stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can make it ahead of time if needed. Reheating is easy – just toss everything together over medium heat until warmed through.

And don’t forget to serve with garlic bread on the side – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Q: What type of pasta should I use for shrimp alfredo?

A: You can use any type of pasta you like, but fettuccine or linguine work best because they have a flat surface that allows the sauce to cling to them.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp if that’s what’s available. Just thaw them according to the package instructions before using them in the recipe.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

A: To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, you can add a little bit of milk or cream towards the end of cooking time. This will help thin out the sauce and give it a more velvety texture.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: You can make the sauce ahead of time, but be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. You can also cook the pasta ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the dish.

Q: What if I don’t have any Parmesan cheese?

A: You can substitute other types of cheese for Parmesan if you don’t have any on hand. Some options include cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella – just keep in mind that they’ll change the flavor profile of the dish slightly.

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