Name: Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Parsley, chopped, for garnish

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If you are craving a dish that brings the warmth of Italian comfort food right to your dinner table, this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender fettuccine smothered in a velvety sauce made from scratch, bursting with the rich flavors of freshly sautéed shrimp, garlic, and parmesan cheese—all coming together in under 30 minutes. This recipe is as indulgent as it is approachable, making it a perfect weeknight winner or a special dish to impress friends and family without any fuss. Every bite captures a harmony of creamy texture and delicate seafood sweetness that will have you coming back for seconds—and thirds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several fresh ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the center, there is a white bowl filled with frozen shrimp, pale pink and white with a slightly frosty texture. To its top right, a white bowl contains spiralized zucchini noodles, light green and creamy white in color, forming a loose, curly pile. Near the top center, there is a bright yellow lemon next to three peeled garlic cloves. To the left, a bunch of fresh curly parsley displays rich green, leafy texture. Below the parsley, uncooked yellow spaghetti strands lie in a neat bundle on a white plate. Near the bottom right, a small wooden bowl holds red pepper flakes with a coarse texture. Surrounding the shrimp bowl, there are small white dishes: one with white cream cheese, one with white flour, and another holding two small pieces of butter. A glass measuring cup filled with white milk is placed near the center. Lastly, a wedge of pale yellow cheese rests on a delicate white plate with an elegant edge design. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients are the secret to this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the silky sauce to the perfectly cooked shrimp and pasta. Nothing here is complicated, yet the combination creates such a satisfying and elegant meal.

8 oz fettuccine pasta: The classic long pasta shape that holds the sauce beautifully on its ridges.
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed, they add a sweet and delicate seafood flavor essential to this dish.
2 tbsp butter: Provides a rich base for cooking shrimp and garlic, enhancing the overall creaminess.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings aromatic depth and a slight punch to the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: The star of the sauce, delivering smoothness and indulgence.
½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, savory complexity and helps thicken the sauce.
Salt, pepper, and parsley to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate and finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking the fettuccine according to the package instructions until it is al dente. It’s crucial to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining, as this starchy water will help you adjust the sauce consistency later. Perfectly cooked pasta creates the comforting base for this recipe, ensuring a tender yet firm bite.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick sear locks in their tenderness and enhances their natural flavor. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside, keeping their juices in the pan for the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

To the skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just enough for the garlic to bloom and perfume the fats without burning. Pour in the heavy cream and gently simmer it for 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Then, stir in the grated parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the luscious sauce that will coat every strand of pasta.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure they’re thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and if you like, a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with creamy pasta and shrimp. The pasta appears soft and thick, covered in a light pink sauce with a smooth and creamy texture. Medium-sized shrimp are mixed throughout, showing a light orange color with some herbs sprinkled on top, adding small green spots. The sauce coats the pasta evenly, creating a rich, velvety layer that blends well with the shrimp. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a vibrant green contrast that brightens the creamy richness of this shrimp Alfredo. A light dusting of extra parmesan cheese on top elevates the umami factor. For a zingy lift, try a gentle squeeze of lemon juice right before serving—all of these little touches truly bring the dish to life and show off the creamy sauce to its fullest.

Side Dishes

This dish shines brilliantly alongside crisp, garlicky green vegetables like sautéed broccoli or steamed asparagus. A light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is a wonderful addition too, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce and prolonging the enjoyment of every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress a crowd, consider plating the pasta twirled neatly into nests on individual plates, garnished with a single shrimp on top and a sprig of parsley. For a cozy family dinner, serve it family-style in a large bowl, encouraging everyone to dig right in. Adding a few flakes of crushed red pepper adds a colorful pop and a gentle heat that can complement the richness beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shrimp tends to be delicate, so the fresher you eat it, the better. When you’re ready to eat it again, make sure to reheat gently to keep the sauce from separating.

Freezing

This particular creamy shrimp pasta is not ideal for freezing because the cream sauce can separate and change texture when thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated without freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, use a low and gentle heat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the silky texture of the sauce. Stir frequently to make sure the shrimp remains tender and the sauce doesn’t break apart. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can quickly become rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely and don’t release too much water into the sauce.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of flour to thicken the sauce, but the texture and richness of this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe will be best with heavy cream.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Reserve some pasta cooking water and add it little by little to the sauce as you combine it with pasta—this starchier water helps loosen the sauce without losing its creaminess.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes work wonderfully and add extra color and nutrition without overpowering the delicate shrimp Alfredo flavors.

What’s the best way to reheat shrimp Alfredo pasta?

Gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk and stirring constantly, so the sauce stays smooth and the shrimp stays tender.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love. The ease of preparation combined with the luxurious, comforting flavors makes it a true winner in any kitchen. Whether it’s an everyday dinner or a special occasion, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy. So grab your skillet and start cooking—treat yourself to a taste of Italian-inspired comfort that feels both decadent and homey at once!