shrimp spaghetti alfredo recipe

The Best shrimp spaghetti alfredo recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite shrimp spaghetti alfredo recipe that has become a staple in our household. This classic Italian dish is a crowd-pleaser, and I’ve tweaked it to make it healthier and easier to prepare. The combination of succulent shrimp, rich sauce, and al dente spaghetti is a match made in heaven.

I love serving this dish to my family and friends because it’s easy to make in large quantities, and everyone can enjoy it together. As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, the health benefits of shrimp are well-documented – they’re low in calories and high in protein, making them an excellent choice for a balanced meal.

My kids adore this recipe, and I’m happy to report that they’ve even started requesting it for their birthdays! In my opinion, this shrimp spaghetti alfredo recipe is the perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course or as a side dish for a potluck or buffet.

My family loves when I add some steamed vegetables on the side to round out the meal. Over time, I’ve experimented with various modifications to suit our tastes, but the core ingredients remain the same: succulent shrimp, rich alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. The end result is always a satisfying and filling meal that leaves us feeling happy and content.

When you take your first bite of this shrimp spaghetti alfredo recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in our household.

Creamy Shrimp Spaghetti Alfredo

4.5 from 1249 votes

A rich and creamy pasta dish with succulent shrimp. This dish combines tender spaghetti, juicy shrimp, and a velvety Alfredo sauce for a comforting meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 650 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp lemon juice

For the Shrimp

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp olive oil

For the Pasta

1 lb spaghetti
1 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4When done, drain and set aside.
5While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6Add shrimp, sprinkle with salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
7Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
8Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
9In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
10Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
11Be careful not to burn the garlic.
12Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
13Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
14Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
15Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
16If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
17Add the cooked spaghetti and shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
18Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are well coated with the sauce.
19If needed, add a little more pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
20Serve the shrimp spaghetti Alfredo immediately, while hot.
21Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 650 kcal🧈Total Fat: 35g💛Saturated Fat: 22g❤️Cholesterol: 250mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.

This shrimp spaghetti alfredo recipe has become an integral part of our family gatherings and special occasions because it’s so easy to make in large quantities and always impresses our guests.

One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is – whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side dish for a potluck or buffet, everyone will leave satisfied and wanting more.

For storage ideas, consider refrigerating any leftovers within two hours of preparation at 40°F (4°C) or below in an airtight container – then reheat only what you need until steaming hot throughout.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Shrimp Spaghetti Alfredo

What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using spaghetti as it pairs well with the creamy sauce and holds onto the flavors nicely. However, if you prefer other types of pasta like fettuccine or linguine, feel free to substitute them as well.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

No problem at all! Frozen shrimp are just as delicious as fresh ones when thawed properly. Just be sure to thaw them according to the package instructions before using.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Nope! This recipe features shrimp as its main protein source. If you’re looking for vegetarian options, consider substituting the shrimp with roasted vegetables or tofu for added protein.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time but assemble the dish just before serving to ensure everything stays hot and fresh.

What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I substitute it with something else?

If you don’t have heavy cream on hand or prefer not to use it due to dietary restrictions, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even Greek yogurt (though keep in mind these alternatives will change the flavor profile slightly).

How do I store leftover shrimp spaghetti alfredo?

To preserve leftovers safely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below within two hours of preparation. Reheat only what you need until steaming hot throughout.

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