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Shrimp Alfredo

Featured in Fresh Seafood Made Easy.

Craving shrimp alfredo? This quick version's a lifesaver! Ready in 25 minutes flat and tastes restaurant-worthy. The sauce gets so creamy while the shrimp stays perfectly tender. Used good parmesan - it really matters here. Great when you want something fancy but quick. The sauce thickens perfectly on the hot pasta. Everyone thinks it took way longer than it did.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:13:24 GMT
A close-up of creamy fettuccine pasta topped with succulent shrimp and garnished with parsley. Pin it
A close-up of creamy fettuccine pasta topped with succulent shrimp and garnished with parsley. | lastminrecipes.com

My Shrimp Alfredo recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. I've perfected this creamy pasta dish over countless family dinners and it never fails to bring smiles around my table. The tender shrimp and silky alfredo sauce come together in less than 30 minutes making it my go to recipe for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

A Recipe Worth Sharing

This Shrimp Alfredo has saved dinner time more times than I can count. The way the cheesy sauce hugs each strand of pasta and those perfectly seasoned shrimp just works magic. My family loves how quick it comes together and guests always think I spent hours in the kitchen it's that impressive.

Everything You'll Need

  • Pasta: I swear by fettuccine it catches all that creamy sauce perfectly.
  • Shrimp: Large juicy shrimp seasoned with my special blend of spices that makes this dish sing.
  • Alfredo Sauce: My version includes sautéed onions and just a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
  • Optional Extras: Sometimes I add more heat or swap in different proteins when I want to switch things up.
A creamy shrimp pasta dish featuring linguine, topped with sautéed shrimp and parsley. Pin it
A creamy shrimp pasta dish featuring linguine, topped with sautéed shrimp and parsley. | lastminrecipes.com

Let's Cook Together

Starting with Shrimp
First up we're getting those shrimp ready. I toss them with my favorite seasoning blend and watch them turn perfectly pink in the pan. This is where all that amazing flavor starts.
Pasta Time
While the shrimp are cooking I get my pasta water boiling. Here's a trick I learned from my Italian grandmother always save a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining.
Creating the Sauce
Now comes the magic. In goes the garlic and onions then that luxurious cream and plenty of fresh Parmesan. I love watching it all come together into this silky smooth sauce.
Bringing It All Home
Finally everything gets tossed together in one pan. The sauce coats every strand of pasta and those seasoned shrimp nestle in perfectly.

Perfect Partners on Your Plate

My Shrimp Alfredo begs for some crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of that amazing sauce. I usually serve it with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad on the side to balance out all that creamy richness. On special nights I'll add some warm breadsticks just like they do at fancy Italian restaurants.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

When we're lucky enough to have leftovers (which isn't often) this Shrimp Alfredo stays perfect in the fridge for a few days. Just store it in a good container and when you're ready to enjoy it again warm it slowly on the stove. A splash of cream helps bring the sauce back to life.

A close-up view of linguine pasta mixed with creamy sauce and topped with cooked shrimp. Pin it
A close-up view of linguine pasta mixed with creamy sauce and topped with cooked shrimp. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What size shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large shrimp (16-20 per pound) work best as they cook quickly while staying tender. Make sure they're peeled and deveined to save prep time.

→ Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese?

Fresh grated parmesan melts better and creates a smoother sauce. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

→ Why is my alfredo sauce too thick or thin?

The sauce thickens as it cools. If too thick, thin with a little pasta water. If too thin, cook longer to reduce or add more freshly grated parmesan.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh. The sauce can separate when reheated, and the pasta may become mushy. If needed, reheat gently with a splash of cream.

→ What can I serve with shrimp alfredo?

A light green salad and garlic bread make perfect sides. The fresh vegetables balance the rich sauce, while bread helps soak up extra sauce.

Shrimp Alfredo

Tender fettuccine pasta in rich alfredo sauce topped with perfectly seasoned shrimp. A classic Italian-American favorite made simple.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
18 Minutes
Total Time
28 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 8 ounces fettuccine pasta.
02 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
03 1 teaspoon onion powder.
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
05 1 teaspoon paprika.
06 ½ teaspoon dried oregano.
07 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided.
08 ¾ teaspoon black pepper, divided.
09 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
10 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
11 1 small yellow onion, diced (½ cup).
12 2 teaspoons minced garlic.
13 2 cups heavy whipping cream.
14 2 cups finely grated parmesan cheese.
15 ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper.
16 Chopped parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Boil salted water and cook fettuccine until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

Mix shrimp with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and half the salt and pepper.

Step 03

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove to plate.

Step 04

Lower heat to medium, add butter and onions. Cook until soft, 3-5 minutes. Add garlic for 1 minute.

Step 05

Pour in cream, add parmesan, remaining salt, peppers. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.

Step 06

Add pasta to sauce, toss until coated. Cook 3-5 minutes until thickened. Top with shrimp and parsley.

Notes

  1. Use freshly grated parmesan for smoothest sauce.
  2. Save some pasta water to thin sauce if needed.
  3. Adjust red pepper amount for desired heat.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Large skillet.
  • Colander.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish (shrimp).
  • Dairy (cream, cheese).
  • Wheat (pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 1161
  • Total Fat: 82 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 58 g