Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Name: Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

August 29, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate luxury comfort food—it’s creamy, rich, and indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make. Featuring tender pasta coated in a velvety Alfredo sauce and topped with juicy, buttery shrimp, this dish brings a little bit of restaurant magic straight into your kitchen.

It’s an Italian-American classic that feels both elegant and satisfying, making it perfect for special occasions, date nights, or even when you just want to spoil yourself with a hearty, flavorful dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the brininess of shrimp with the creaminess of Alfredo sauce, creating a flavor harmony that’s irresistible. The shrimp add protein and a slightly sweet seafood taste that balances the richness of the sauce beautifully.

Plus, it’s quick! In under 30 minutes, you can serve a dish that tastes like it came from a fine dining restaurant. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress family and guests alike.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Elegant, restaurant-style pasta made easily at home.
Perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky flavors.
Ready in 30 minutes—great for busy weeknights.
Customizable with veggies, different pastas, or spice levels.
A seafood pasta that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

Prep & Cook Time

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 4
Calories: ~600–650 per serving (depending on pasta type and portion size)

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Course (Dinner/Lunch)

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional, for flavor & color)

For the Pasta:

12 oz (340 g) fettuccine (or penne, linguine)
1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook pasta until al dente.
Season and sauté shrimp until pink and cooked through.
Make creamy Alfredo sauce with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan.
Toss pasta in sauce and top with shrimp.
Garnish and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes).
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan gradually until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Add drained pasta into the skillet, tossing until fully coated in sauce.
If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Plate pasta, top with sautéed shrimp, and garnish with fresh parsley + extra Parmesan.

How to Serve

Serve in shallow bowls with extra grated Parmesan on the side.
Pairs beautifully with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Caesar salad.
For drinks, serve with a chilled white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) or sparkling water with lemon.

Additional Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook the shrimp—they become rubbery if cooked too long.
Always use fresh Parmesan (pre-grated won’t melt properly).
If sauce is too thick, add pasta water a little at a time.
For richer flavor, sauté shrimp in butter and a splash of white wine.

Variations

Spicy Shrimp Alfredo – Add red chili flakes or Cajun seasoning.
Vegetable Alfredo – Stir in broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms.
Seafood Alfredo – Add scallops, lobster, or crab with shrimp.
Light Alfredo – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Gluten-Free Alfredo – Swap pasta for gluten-free noodles or zucchini noodles.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Freezing: Not recommended with pasta, but you can freeze the Alfredo sauce (without shrimp/pasta) for up to 1 month. Reheat gently and add fresh shrimp + pasta.

Special Equipment Needed

Large pot for pasta
Large skillet or sauté pan
Whisk (for smooth sauce)
Tongs for tossing pasta and shrimp

Conclusion

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is the perfect fusion of elegance and comfort. The creamy Parmesan sauce clings to every strand of pasta, while the juicy shrimp add a luxurious seafood touch. Whether for a weeknight treat, a romantic dinner, or a family gathering, this dish delivers both flavor and sophistication.

It’s a recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable—once you try it, you’ll see why Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a timeless classic you’ll want to make again and again!

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