If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and downright satisfying, this Easy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is about to become your new go-to. With tender shrimp bathed in a luscious, homemade Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked fettuccine, every bite feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to pull together. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but comes together quickly enough for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and each one plays a crucial role in creating the silky sauce and succulent shrimp that make this dish so irresistible. From the creamy base to the fresh garlic, every bite is packed with layers of flavor and texture that come together effortlessly.
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp: Fresh or thawed shrimp provide the perfect protein, juicy and tender after a quick cook.
- 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine: Wide pasta noodles hold onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every mouthful is coated in creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps meld all the ingredients together smoothly.
- 4 ounces cream cheese: Gives the sauce an extra creamy texture and slight tang, making it luxuriously thick.
- 3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream: The base for the sauce, creating a velvety smooth mouthfeel.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds subtle depth and balances the richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with that unmistakable warm, aromatic bite.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending a sharp, savory finish that defines Alfredo.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life perfectly.
How to Make Easy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp
First things first, if you’re using frozen shrimp, run them under cold water in a colander until they’re thawed. Make sure they’re peeled and tails are removed if you prefer—that way they cook evenly and are ready to soak up that creamy sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Fettuccine
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until just al dente according to the package instructions. This means the pasta will have a slight bite to it, which is perfect for holding the sauce without turning mushy.
Step 3: Start the Alfredo Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the cream cheese in smaller pieces so it softens faster. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Use a spoon to help melt the cream cheese fully into the mixture over a few minutes, stirring gently so the sauce becomes smooth and inviting.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Once the cream cheese is incorporated, let the sauce bubble gently for about five minutes. This step helps reduce and thicken the sauce, concentrating the flavors. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning on the bottom while you grate your Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Add Parmesan Cheese
Stir the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce and cook for another minute. This cheese is the magic ingredient that brightens and enriches the sauce, giving it that authentic Alfredo flavor.
Step 6: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the pan with the sauce and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn pink and firm. This ensures they remain juicy and perfectly cooked without becoming rubbery.
Step 7: Combine and Finish
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain the pasta and toss it right into the skillet with your creamy shrimp sauce. Mix gently so every strand is coated with luscious Alfredo goodness and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Easy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a fresh green pop and mild herbaceous note. A dusting of extra Parmesan on top makes it look extra inviting and adds an irresistible cheesy crunch.
Side Dishes
Complement this creamy shrimp pasta with a simple side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or steamed asparagus for a touch of crisp freshness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs beautifully, perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Easy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe in shallow pasta bowls to showcase the creamy sauce beautifully. For a special occasion, try plating individual portions with a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the dish with a squeeze of freshness right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp Alfredo keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the sauce is delicate, storing it properly helps maintain the creamy texture and keeps the shrimp tender.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal because cream-based sauces sometimes separate after thawing. If you do freeze it, place the dish in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for the best taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp Alfredo gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwave reheating as it can cause the sauce to break and shrimp to become tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly under cold running water before cooking so they cook evenly and absorb the sauce flavors nicely.
Is cream cheese necessary for the Alfredo sauce?
While traditional Alfredo sauce doesn’t use cream cheese, adding it here makes the sauce thicker and creamier, giving a lovely tangy richness that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
Can I substitute another type of pasta?
Yes, though fettuccine is classic for Alfredo. You can try linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne for different textures, but stick to pastas that hold sauce well.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Try swapping heavy cream with half-and-half and reducing the amount of butter to cut calories, or add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to bulk it up while keeping the creamy feel.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
Simply stir in a little extra chicken broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should be creamy and coating without being gloopy or dry.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is comfort food at its best—sumptuous, straightforward, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking a cozy dinner for two or feeding a small crowd, this recipe hits the spot every single time. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite go-to in your kitchen; I promise the creamy sauce and juicy shrimp will bring smiles around your table every time.
Print
Easy 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
Description
This Easy Shrimp Alfredo recipe combines succulent shrimp with a creamy, cheesy sauce served over perfectly cooked fettuccine. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and elegant meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 pound uncooked (31-40/pound size) shrimp (thawed & peeled, tails optional)
- 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened & cut into smaller pieces)
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 large cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them by placing in a colander and rinsing under cool running water until completely thawed. Peel and optionally remove tails.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Start Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, add butter, cream cheese pieces, heavy cream, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Stir frequently as the butter melts and the cream cheese begins to soften and incorporate into the sauce. This typically takes a couple of minutes.
- Simmer Sauce: Once cream cheese is fully incorporated, allow the sauce to gently bubble for about 5 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly, stirring occasionally. Use this time to grate the parmesan cheese.
- Add Cheese: Stir the freshly grated parmesan cheese into the sauce, cooking for approximately one more minute until melted and smooth.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet with the sauce and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Season & Combine: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as desired. Toss the cooked, drained fettuccine into the skillet, coating the pasta evenly with the shrimp Alfredo sauce. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for easier preparation and eating.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though sauce will be less rich.
- For best flavor, grate parmesan cheese fresh rather than using pre-grated varieties.
- To make the sauce thicker, allow it to simmer a few extra minutes before adding the shrimp.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
