Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Shrimp Alfredo is a decadent dish that combines tender, juicy shrimp with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re preparing this for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this classic Italian-American favorite never fails to impress. With a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and elegance, Shrimp Alfredo is a dish you’ll return to time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Luxurious Creaminess: The Alfredo sauce is velvety smooth, offering indulgent comfort.
2. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy schedules.
3. Versatile: Can be made with your choice of pasta or adjusted for dietary preferences.
4. Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family and guests with minimal effort.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water
   • Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and bring it to a boil.
2. Cook the Pasta
   • Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions, usually 10–12 minutes.
   • Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Drain and Set Aside
   • Drain the pasta and toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Season the Shrimp
   • In a bowl, toss shrimp with paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
2. Cook the Shrimp
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
   • Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic
   • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Cream and Seasonings
   • Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
   • Add Italian seasoning, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese
   • Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts smoothly into the sauce.
4. Simmer to Thicken
   • Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until thick and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Toss Pasta in Sauce
   • Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce in the skillet.
   • Toss gently to coat each strand in the creamy sauce.
2. Add Shrimp
   • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, mixing it into the pasta and sauce.
3. Adjust Consistency
   • If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is achieved.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Plate the Dish
   • Serve the Shrimp Alfredo hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
2. Add Lemon
   • Provide lemon wedges on the side for a fresh citrus zing.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Alfredo

Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

• Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture.
• Avoid overcooking; shrimp only need 2–3 minutes per side.

Smooth Alfredo Sauce

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth sauce; pre-shredded cheese may clump.
• Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent separation.

Pasta Tips

• Salt the pasta water generously for flavorful noodles.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.

Variations

1. Protein Options
   • Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken, scallops, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
2. Low-Carb Version
   • Serve the Alfredo sauce and shrimp over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
3. Spicy Kick
   • Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.
4. Veggie Additions
   • Include steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrients and flavor.

Pairings

1. Appetizers
   • Garlic breadsticks or a fresh Caesar salad complement the creamy dish.
2. Drinks
   • Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
   • Lemon-infused water or sparkling water also works well.
3. Desserts
   • Finish with a light dessert like tiramisu or lemon sorbet.

Storage and Reheating

1. Refrigeration
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating
   • Heat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
   • Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the sauce to separate.

Why This Recipe Works

Shrimp Alfredo offers the perfect marriage of creamy, cheesy sauce with the sweet and savory taste of shrimp. The addition of garlic and Parmesan adds depth and richness, while the pasta serves as the ideal base to absorb these incredible flavors. This dish is comforting yet sophisticated, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Whether you’re indulging in a quiet dinner at home or hosting a crowd, Shrimp Alfredo is sure to leave everyone satisfied and asking for seconds.

Yield: 4

Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Print

Shrimp Alfredo is a decadent dish that combines tender, juicy shrimp with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re preparing this for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this classic Italian-American favorite never fails to impress. With a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and elegance, Shrimp Alfredo is a dish you’ll return to time and time again.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Alfredo Sauce:
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Shrimp:
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Pasta:
• 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
   Toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add nutmeg if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss until evenly coated.
   
5. Add the Shrimp:
   Place the cooked shrimp on top of the pasta and gently mix to combine.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

• Protein Options: Swap shrimp for chicken, scallops, or salmon if preferred.
• Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor; pre-grated cheese may result in a grainy sauce.
• Pasta Choices: Fettuccine is traditional, but penne, spaghetti, or zoodles work as great alternatives.