Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that brings together tender shrimp and rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce. The sauce is made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth and flavorful coating for the fettuccine noodles. The shrimp add a nice touch of seafood sweetness and a bit of bite that makes each forkful satisfying and special.
I love making Shrimp Alfredo when I want something that feels a bit fancy but is still super quick to prepare. One tip I have is to cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and start to curl—it keeps them juicy and perfect instead of rubbery. Adding a little garlic to the sauce is my favorite way to boost the flavor without making it complicated.
For serving, I like to sprinkle some fresh parsley or a little extra Parmesan on top. It brightens up the dish and makes it look inviting. This meal always feels like a treat at home, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Plus, it pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well. If you want a milder seafood taste, choose smaller shrimp. For a budget-friendly option, canned or cooked shrimp can be used but add them at the end to avoid overcooking.
Fettuccine pasta: This thick, flat noodle holds the creamy sauce nicely. You can swap it with linguine, spaghetti, or any pasta you like. For a low-carb twist, try zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
Heavy cream: It makes the sauce rich and smooth. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as thick. Coconut cream is a good dairy-free alternative.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key for flavor and melting. If unavailable, Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be good substitutes. Pre-grated cheese works too but may not melt as smoothly.
Garlic & Butter: Fresh garlic adds a nice punch, and butter enriches the sauce’s flavor. You can use garlic powder if needed, but fresh is best. Olive oil can partially replace butter for a lighter taste.
How Do You Cook Shrimp Perfectly for Shrimp Alfredo?
Cooking shrimp just right is important—they should be tender, not rubbery. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper before adding to the pan.
- Cook shrimp about 2-3 minutes per side. They’re done when pink and curl into a loose “C.”
- Remove shrimp immediately to avoid overcooking—they continue to cook a bit in the sauce later.
Tip: Watch them closely because shrimp cook quickly and can go from perfect to tough fast.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta evenly without crowding.
- Colander – to drain the pasta quickly and easily.
- Large skillet or sauté pan – perfect for cooking shrimp and making the sauce in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – gentle on your pan and great for stirring the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredient amounts just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken for a different protein that still pairs well with creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to boost veggies and add nice texture and flavor.
- Stir in red pepper flakes or a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warming spice twist.
- Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier cheese flavor.
How to Make Shrimp Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Shrimp:
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25-30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10-12 minutes cooking the pasta and shrimp, and about 10-15 minutes preparing the creamy Alfredo sauce and combining everything. Perfect for a quick, tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (just tender). Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not brown. Pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Let the cream cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until it begins to thicken.
4. Add Cheese and Season:
Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a smooth sauce. Taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper as needed.
5. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat them evenly with the rich Alfredo sauce and warm everything through. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy, delicious Shrimp Alfredo!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for Shrimp Alfredo?
Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just make sure to fully thaw them in the fridge overnight or quickly under cold running water before cooking. Pat them dry to remove extra moisture and avoid watery sauce.
How Can I Make Shrimp Alfredo Lighter?
Try substituting half the heavy cream with milk or using half-and-half to reduce the richness. You can also add steamed veggies like broccoli or spinach to bulk up the dish with less cream.
Can I Make Shrimp Alfredo Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp in advance, then store everything separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
