Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with garlicky, buttery shrimp and silky fettuccine coated in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s easy to make, comes together in just 30 minutes, and tastes even better than a restaurant-style dish!

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

• Rich & Indulgent – A velvety Alfredo sauce that coats every bite.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner.
• Restaurant Quality – Skip the takeout and make a luxurious meal at home.
• Customizable – Swap the pasta, add veggies, or adjust seasonings to your liking!

Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

For the pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta – The perfect noodle for Alfredo sauce.
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined – Medium or large shrimp work best.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the shrimp.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds bold, garlicky flavor.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste – Enhances the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds subtle warmth and color.

For the Alfredo sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – For richness.
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream – The base of the creamy sauce.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for incredible flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs for extra depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a touch of heat.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste – Adjust according to preference.
• 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved) – Helps create a smooth sauce.
• Fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot – To cook the pasta.
• Large skillet – For cooking the shrimp and making the sauce.
• Tongs or spatula – To toss the pasta and sauce together.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Season shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir, letting it warm up for 2 minutes (do not boil).
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
5. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.
6. Add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, if needed.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

1. Add cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
2. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently mix.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Serve with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for extra veggies.
• Enjoy with a refreshing lemonade or iced tea for a perfect balance.

Tips for the Best Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – They cook quickly, so remove them once they turn pink.
• Adjust the Thickness – Add pasta water to thin the sauce or more Parmesan to thicken it.
• Try Different Proteins – Swap shrimp for chicken, salmon, or tofu.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing Not Recommended – Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, as they can separate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes! Use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

Q2: What pasta works best for Alfredo sauce?
A: Fettuccine is classic, but linguine, spaghetti, or penne also work well.

Q3: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Conclusion: A Comforting Classic!

This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish. With rich, garlicky shrimp and a velvety Alfredo sauce, it’s bound to become a family favorite.

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your culinary creations.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 580 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 52g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 720mg

Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite of this indulgent Shrimp Alfredo Pasta!

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