Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Introduction

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a rich, creamy, and indulgent Italian-inspired dish that combines perfectly cooked shrimp with tender pasta and a velvety Alfredo sauce. The sauce is made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious coating for every strand of pasta. This dish is the ultimate comfort food—decadent enough for special occasions yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy indulgence and fresh seafood flavor. The shrimp stay tender and juicy, while the Alfredo sauce is smooth, cheesy, and comforting. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, but it also feels restaurant-quality. The aroma of garlic and Parmesan while cooking is irresistible, and the combination of flavors makes it a dish that everyone will love.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Creamy and comforting: Perfect for cozy nights or entertaining guests.
• Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, even from scratch.
• Crowd-pleaser: Elegant presentation, yet approachable flavors.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust with vegetables, spices, or different pasta shapes.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~550 kcal per serving (approx.)
• Cuisine: Italian / American-Italian
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. Sauté shrimp in olive oil until pink and cooked through; remove from pan.
3. Make Alfredo sauce with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan.
4. Toss cooked pasta and shrimp in sauce until well coated.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook fettuccine or linguine according to package directions until al dente.
• Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

• Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
• Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and sauce is smooth.
• Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

• Add cooked pasta to the skillet with Alfredo sauce.
• Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
• Add shrimp back to the skillet and gently mix.
• If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
• Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty touch.

How to Serve

• Serve as a main course with a green salad or garlic bread.
• Pair with steamed vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus for a complete meal.
• For a lighter option, serve with zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook quickly and can become rubbery.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding cream.

Variations

• Spicy Shrimp Alfredo: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Garlic Parmesan Veggie Alfredo: Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Alfredo: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and zest for brightness.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Season shrimp with Cajun spices before cooking for a bold twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to cream sauce—it may separate upon thawing.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or tongs for mixing
• Grater for Parmesan cheese

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta.

Q3: Can I make the sauce lighter?
Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.

Q4: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance, but it’s best to add shrimp and toss pasta just before serving.

Q5: How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating?
Cook over medium heat and avoid boiling the cream. Gradually add cheese and stir continuously.

Conclusion

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a classic comfort dish that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Juicy shrimp combined with tender pasta and a silky Alfredo sauce create a meal that feels both indulgent and elegant. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or any occasion when you want a quick yet impressive dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.