Shrimp Alfredo
Shrimp Alfredo is a rich, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish combining tender shrimp with a luscious Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and offers a comforting, protein-packed experience with customizable options to suit dietary preferences.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 lb medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Sauce and Seasonings
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Prepare and Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your choice of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce texture if needed later.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Toss in the shrimp, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and keep warm.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously to prevent scorching. Slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together, coating the pasta evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve Immediately: Plate your Shrimp Alfredo hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Enjoy right away for the best creamy, dreamy experience.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the shrimp to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best melting texture.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Simmer sauce gently to avoid burning or curdling the cream.
- Season gradually and taste as you go for perfect balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
Keywords: Shrimp Alfredo, creamy shrimp pasta, quick shrimp dinner, seafood pasta, Italian pasta dish, gluten-free shrimp Alfredo