Name: Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter; 4 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 cups heavy cream; 4 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 cups); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 lb fettuccine noodles (or favorite kind of pasta); 1.5 lbs large shrimp, thawed and peeled, tails optional; 1 tablespoon oil or butter; Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

If you’re craving a rich, creamy pasta dinner that feels a little fancy but comes together in no time, this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. I absolutely love how it combines tender shrimp with a luscious, garlicky Alfredo sauce—it’s comfort food at its finest, yet elegant enough to impress guests. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss.
Creamy, Flavorful Sauce: Garlic and freshly grated Parmesan make the Alfredo sauce irresistibly rich and smooth.
Tender Shrimp Every Time: Cooking shrimp separately ensures they stay juicy and perfectly cooked, not rubbery.
Family Favorite: I’ve made this dish multiple times, and my family always asks for seconds!

The image shows two parts: on the left is a cooking pan with shrimp partially cooked, some are pink with orange tails, others are still gray, all sprinkled with black pepper. On the right is a close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy white pasta and cooked shrimp mixed in, garnished lightly with chopped green herbs. A fork lifts some pasta curls towards the top left of the bowl. The background is white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, easy Alfredo pasta, garlic shrimp pasta, quick seafood dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe is in its simple, quality ingredients that come together for incredible flavor. Make sure to get fresh Parmesan—you’ll really notice the difference—and don’t skip the garlic; it adds that warm, aromatic depth we all crave in an Alfredo sauce.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden butter, four whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with thick heavy cream, a small white bowl piled with freshly grated parmesan cheese, a pinch of coarse salt and black peppercorns scattered nearby, a neat bundle of uncooked fettuccine noodles, a cluster of large raw shrimp with shells removed but tails on, a small white ceramic bowl of clear golden oil, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, easy Alfredo pasta, garlic shrimp pasta, quick seafood dinner

Butter: Using butter both in the sauce and for cooking shrimp gives richness and helps develop that perfect silky sauce texture.
Garlic: Finely minced garlic infuses the sauce with a punchy but mellow flavor; freshly minced always outshines pre-minced.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes your Alfredo sauce so creamy and indulgent—don’t substitute with milk if you want that classic texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and has a brighter flavor than pre-grated powders.
Salt and Pepper: Season carefully to balance the richness; remember you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
Fettuccine Noodles: Traditional for Alfredo, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape if you prefer.
Shrimp: Large shrimp, peeled and thawed, cook quickly and hold up well in the creamy sauce.
Oil or Butter for Cooking Shrimp: Adds flavor and helps get a nice sear on the shrimp.
Fresh Chopped Parsley: Optional but a fresh sprinkle on top gives color and a subtle brightness to your dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe my own by switching up a few elements depending on mood or occasion. You can totally tailor it to suit your taste or dietary needs—don’t be afraid to get creative!

Add Vegetables: I sometimes toss in sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas for extra color, flavor, and nutrition. It lightens up the dish and keeps it fresh.
Use Different Seafood: If shrimp isn’t your thing, scallops or chunks of cooked chicken work beautifully with that creamy Alfredo sauce.
Dairy-Free Version: I’ve experimented with coconut cream and a vegan Parmesan substitute for a dairy-free twist, and the results are surprisingly good.
Spicy Kick: When I’m in the mood for something with a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the sauce really wakes things up.

How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Start by boiling your fettuccine noodles just until al dente, following the package directions closely. I like to salt the water well—it seasons the pasta from the inside out, which makes a big flavor difference. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside while you move onto the sauce.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add your finely minced garlic and stir it frequently for about a minute—just until fragrant, but don’t let it burn or it’ll taste bitter. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk together as it gently simmers for 3-4 minutes to thicken up. Then, turn the heat down to low and whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan until your sauce is smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I learned the hard way that adding cheese to high heat can cause it to clump, so keep the heat low at this stage.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp Just Right

Pat your thawed shrimp dry and season them with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn bright pink and just opaque—about 2 to 3 minutes. Shrimp cook fast, so watch them closely to avoid a rubbery texture. I always take mine off the heat the minute they change color.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Pour the Alfredo sauce over the cooked pasta and toss to coat every strand. Then plate the noodles and top with those perfectly sautéed shrimp. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens it all up and adds a lovely fresh note that cuts through the richness. Serve immediately and enjoy warm.

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Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Use Room Temp Parmesan: Bringing your Parmesan to room temperature before adding it helps the cheese melt smoothly without clumping in the sauce.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: I always pull my shrimp off the heat as soon as they turn pink—to keep them juicy and tender.
Salt Pasta Water Well: This is the secret to flavorful pasta; it seasons the noodles inside and out, boosting overall taste.
Low and Slow for Sauce: Keep the heat low when adding cheese to avoid a grainy texture and ensure your sauce stays silky.

How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy fettuccine pasta spread evenly as the first layer, topped with several cooked shrimp arranged in a small pile in the center. The pasta has a smooth light beige sauce covering it, and small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top for color contrast. The shrimp are a light orange-pink with a firm texture, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, easy Alfredo pasta, garlic shrimp pasta, quick seafood dinner

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is my go-to garnish—it adds a pop of color and a subtle freshness that balances the creamy sauce. Sometimes I also grate a bit of extra Parmesan on top or add a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if we’re feeling spicy.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this pasta with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted broccoli to add some texture contrast. Garlic bread or warm baguette slices also make perfect companions for soaking up extra sauce—you’ll want every last bit!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated the shrimp atop a nest of fettuccine and garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-style touch. You can also serve individual portions in shallow bowls for a cozy, elegant look that keeps the sauce front and center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I like to keep the shrimp and pasta together in the sauce so the flavors meld, but avoid over-storing to keep shrimp tender.

Freezing

Freezing this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe isn’t my favorite because the cream sauce can separate and shrimp can get rubbery, but if you must, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag, and thaw gently in the fridge when ready.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Stir frequently to keep the sauce smooth and the shrimp tender.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic for Alfredo, you can use linguine, penne, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta type to keep it perfectly al dente.
Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

For the best flavor and smoother sauce, I recommend freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting evenly, which can affect the texture of your sauce.
How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?

The key is to cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat and remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque, usually after 2-3 minutes. Overcooking causes them to get tough and rubbery.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different, but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe has become one of those dishes I keep coming back to when I want something both comforting and a bit special. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet always feels like a treat. If you give it a try, I’m confident you’ll love the creamy sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp as much as my family does. So grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking—your next favorite dinner awaits!