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If you are craving a truly comforting and indulgent pasta dish, this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is absolutely the answer you need. Silky, creamy Alfredo sauce lovingly clings to tender fettuccine, while perfectly sautéed shrimp add a satisfying pop of flavor and texture that elevates every bite. This dish is a classic crowd-pleaser yet surprisingly simple to make, combining just the right balance of richness and freshness to become a favorite dinner in your home rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but essential. Each one plays a special role in creating the dish’s luscious creaminess, bright shrimp flavor, and irresistible aroma.
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta: The perfect wide noodles for holding that creamy Alfredo sauce in every forkful.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Provides tender, juicy bites packed with savory goodness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant depth that makes it sparkle.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that luxuriously smooth and rich sauce.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty notes and helps thicken the sauce perfectly.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided): Gives the sauce a silky, velvety texture and a touch of richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the fettuccine to al dente according to package instructions. It’s important to get the texture just right so it holds up beautifully under that creamy Alfredo sauce. Once done, drain it and set it aside to await its starring role in the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet on medium heat, then add your peeled and deveined shrimp. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque — this ensures they’re perfectly cooked and juicy. Don’t forget to season with a bit of salt and pepper before removing the shrimp from the skillet and setting them aside.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and your minced garlic. Sauté gently for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden, filling your kitchen with that mouthwatering aroma that signals something special is underway.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Now pour in the heavy cream while stirring gently. Warm it through, then whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth, thick, and invitingly creamy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, followed by the drained fettuccine. Toss everything together so that all the noodles and shrimp are luxuriously coated in that dreamy Alfredo sauce. This is where all the flavors meld into pure comfort food magic.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the Shrimp Alfredo Recipe hot from the pan. You can add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley on top to brighten things up and add a little textural contrast. Now it’s time to dive in and savor every creamy, garlicky, shrimp-filled bite!
How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes bring this dish to life visually and flavor-wise. A sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness, while freshly chopped parsley offers a hint of color and a subtle peppery bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
Balance out the indulgence of Shrimp Alfredo by pairing it with crisp, fresh sides like a garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. These sides add a fresh crunch that cuts through the richness and rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe in individual shallow bowls and top each portion with a lemon wedge for a bright burst of acidity. Or try layering the pasta and shrimp in a wide pasta bowl, finishing it with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-quality presentation right at your dining table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to resist finishing it all!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce may thicken upon cooling, but that’s easy to fix when reheating. Consume within 2 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
Because Alfredo sauce doesn’t always freeze well, it’s not recommended to freeze this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe. The cream and cheese can separate and become grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh, made for the occasion.
Reheating
When reheating, warm your leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and stir frequently to regain that silky consistency. Avoid overheating as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked again too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water, which can thin out your sauce.
Is it possible to substitute the heavy cream?
You can try half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. Adding a bit more Parmesan can help boost the flavor.
Can this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta instead of fettuccine, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
Keep the heat moderate when adding the cream and cheese. High heat can cause the sauce to separate, so gentle warming and constant stirring are key.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are popular choices that complement the creamy sauce and shrimp beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl and a wonderful way to celebrate simple, fresh ingredients with flair. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this creamy, garlicky, cheesy dish is sure to impress and delight. Give it a try soon – I promise it will become one of your most cherished recipes!
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Print
Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Delicious and creamy Shrimp Alfredo featuring tender sautéed shrimp and fettuccine pasta coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This classic Italian-American dish is quick to prepare, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Shrimp & Seasonings
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper, then remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring gently. Once the cream is warmed through, whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained fettuccine pasta. Toss everything together carefully to ensure the pasta and shrimp are well coated with the Alfredo sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Shrimp Alfredo hot, optionally garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of flavor and color.
Notes
- For extra richness, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
- Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and should be tender and juicy.
- To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but sauce will be less thick.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a subtle depth of flavor.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a fresh, herbal note and visual appeal.
