This Easy Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy and dreamy pasta dish that comes together quickly. With tender shrimp and a rich Alfredo sauce, it’s simply irresistible!
I love making this when I’m short on time but still want something delicious. Just sauté the shrimp, mix in the sauce, and toss it with pasta—so simple!
You can serve it with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal. I promise, everyone will be asking for seconds. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: Fettuccine is my go-to for this dish because of its wide shape, which holds the creamy sauce nicely. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta.
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for a sturdy bite. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp is perfectly fine—just thaw it first. You could also substitute with chicken or scallops if desired.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but remember, the sauce might not be as rich. Coconut cream can be a great dairy-free substitute as well!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth to the sauce. If you want something different, Pecorino Romano offers a sharper taste. Nutritional yeast is great for a vegan version!
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor dramatically. In a pinch, garlic powder can be used; about 1/4 teaspoon per clove should work.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp correctly is essential for this dish. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so timing is key! Here are some simple steps:
- Heat the olive oil in the skillet, making sure it’s hot before adding the garlic.
- Add shrimp after the garlic becomes fragrant, cooking them just until they turn pink and opaque—about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove them from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking. They’ll continue to cook a little bit from the residual heat!
Easy Shrimp Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Shrimp:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and shrimp, and then 10 minutes preparing the creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Fettuccine:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and put it over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring it around until it’s fragrant, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is nice and smooth. Keep it simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Combine Everything:
Now, add the cooked fettuccine and the shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together so that the pasta and shrimp are coated in that creamy Alfredo sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Shrimp Alfredo is ready! Serve it immediately on plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your delightful dish!
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne, linguine, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
If you want a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and flour to thicken. You can also use less cheese if you prefer, but keep in mind that it may alter the creaminess of the sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, do so on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce, as it may thicken as it cools.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or quickly thawing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
