Pasta & Pizza

Creamy Shrimp Alfredo – Easy & Delicious

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo is a rich and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of an Italian restaurant to your home. It features tender shrimp, a velvety Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a gourmet meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo

If you’re looking for a comforting yet elegant dish, this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo is a perfect choice. The combination of buttery shrimp and a luscious, garlicky Parmesan sauce creates a flavor-packed experience. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

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The Origins of Shrimp Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo was first created in Italy by Alfredo di Lelio in the early 20th century. It started as a simple butter and Parmesan dish but evolved into the creamy, rich sauce we know today. While traditional Alfredo sauce doesn’t include shrimp, the addition of seafood enhances the dish with a delicate sweetness and extra protein, making it a favorite in American households.

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How to Make the Perfect Alfredo Sauce

The key to a great Alfredo sauce is balancing creaminess with the right amount of cheese. Using freshly grated Parmesan ensures a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while a touch of pasta water helps create a silky consistency. Adding a little butter enhances the richness, making every bite irresistible.

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Tips for Cooking Shrimp Perfectly

Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so it’s important to cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. A quick sear in butter and garlic infuses them with flavor, while cooking them separately from the sauce ensures they maintain their tender texture. Using fresh or frozen shrimp works well—just be sure to pat them dry before cooking.

Delicious Variations to Try

Want to change things up? Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or add a splash of chicken broth to thin out the sauce. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in a bit of red pepper flakes.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Alfredo

This rich and creamy dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread. The crispness of a Caesar salad or a bright lemony arugula salad balances out the richness of the Alfredo sauce, making it a well-rounded meal.

How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Alfredo

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm it over low heat. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can overcook the shrimp and make the sauce separate.

Notes & Tips

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp; they only need 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra depth of flavor.
  • For a gluten-free option, use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta.

For more delicious recipes like this, visit Patricia Universe for easy and flavorful meal ideas!

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Creamy Shrimp Alfredo – Easy & Delicious

This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo is the perfect blend of rich, garlicky, and cheesy flavors. Made with tender shrimp and fettuccine, it’s a restaurant-quality meal ready in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Pasta & Pizza
Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: butter swim biscuits easy recipes, cheesey potatoes easy recipe, chicken stirfry easy recipe, easy recipes, easy recipes for dinner, easy recipes ninja creami, recipes for dinner
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Patricia

Ingredients

  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)

Instructions

  1. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  5. Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

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