Shrimp Alfredo: The Ultimate Creamy Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Shrimp Alfredo is a luscious, creamy pasta dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers comfort and elegance in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
7. Step 7: Gradually whisk in Parmesan and Romano cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
8. Step 8: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Step 9: Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. If too thin, simmer until thickened.
10. Step 10: Add drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
11. Step 11: Add cooked shrimp to the pasta and sauce. Gently toss to combine.
12. Step 12: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté the shrimp with a splash of white wine before cooking in butter.
• Substitute fettuccine for linguine or spaghetti if preferred.
• Add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetable boost.
• Use freshly grated cheeses for a smoother, richer sauce.
• If you like it spicy, increase the red pepper flakes to add a subtle heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and prevent it from thickening too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can affect the sauce.

How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating?

Cook the sauce gently over low heat and add cheese gradually while stirring constantly. Avoid boiling the cream after adding cheese to keep the sauce smooth.

Shrimp Alfredo: The Ultimate Creamy Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 84 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Shrimp Alfredo recipe features tender, juicy shrimp tossed in a rich and creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, served over perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. It’s a classic Italian-American dish that’s indulgent yet simple to prepare, making it the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta

Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Alfredo Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using, ensuring they are evenly coated.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Drain Pasta and Reserve Water: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
5. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet used for the shrimp, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
6. Add Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Add Cheeses: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and the cheeses have melted completely.
8. Season the Sauce: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
9. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer to thicken. If too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
10. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
11. Add Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together to combine evenly.
12. Serve: Immediately plate the Shrimp Alfredo and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
• Reserve pasta water is useful to adjust sauce consistency because it contains starch that helps bind the sauce.
• Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melting and flavor.
• You can substitute Romano with Pecorino Romano if desired.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream but expect a thinner sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Shrimp Alfredo, Creamy Pasta, Fettuccine Alfredo, Seafood Pasta, Italian Recipe