There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta. With its rich, velvety sauce and tender, juicy shrimp, this dish feels like a restaurant-quality meal—but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home! Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for two or a family feast, this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
- Rich & Indulgent – A luscious, creamy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Restaurant-Style at Home – Save money by making this classic dish in your own kitchen.
- Customizable – Swap the shrimp for chicken or add veggies like broccoli or mushrooms.
Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for extra flavor)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved from boiling the pasta)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or pan (for cooking shrimp and sauce)
- Tongs or spatula
- Grater (for fresh Parmesan)
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the shrimp with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and mix gently.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.
- Pair with a crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
- Use Fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp – They cook quickly; remove them once they turn pink.
- Adjust Consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Make it Lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of cream or milk.
- Freezing Not Recommended: The creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Q2: Can I substitute the shrimp?
Absolutely! Try grilled chicken, salmon, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Q3: Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes, you can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
A Comforting Classic!
This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with delicious shrimp. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Try it tonight and let us know how it turns out!
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
Enjoy your creamy, dreamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta!
Print
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta. With its rich, velvety sauce and tender, juicy shrimp, this dish feels like a restaurant-quality meal—but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home! Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for two or a family feast, this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen.
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for extra flavor)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved from boiling the pasta)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the shrimp with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and mix gently.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use Fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp – They cook quickly; remove them once they turn pink.
- Adjust Consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Make it Lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American
