Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a rich, creamy, and comforting dinner that comes together surprisingly quickly. Tender, juicy shrimp are tossed with silky homemade Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a restaurant-style meal you can make right at home.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional

For the Alfredo Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine, linguine, or penne
• Salt, for the pasta water
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan, for serving

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.

Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve approximately ½ cup of the pasta water.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

Place them in a bowl and toss with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Making sure the shrimp are dry helps them develop better color when cooked.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the shrimp in a single layer.

Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, depending on their size, until they are opaque and cooked through.

Add the minced garlic during the final 30 seconds and stir until fragrant.

Transfer the shrimp to a plate.

Don’t overcook them, as shrimp become tough when left on the heat too long.

4. Make the Alfredo Sauce

Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low.

Add 3 tablespoons of butter.

Once melted, add the remaining minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Pour in the heavy cream.

Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Don’t let the cream boil aggressively.

5. Add the Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low.

Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously.

Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Add the Italian seasoning and black pepper.

Taste before adding additional salt because Parmesan is naturally salty.

6. Combine the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta directly to the Alfredo sauce.

Toss gently until every strand or piece is coated.

If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches a smooth, silky consistency.

7. Add the Shrimp

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.

Gently toss everything together and cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until the shrimp are heated through.

If desired, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the rich sauce.

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the heat.

Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan.

Serve immediately while the Alfredo sauce is warm and creamy.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Alfredo

Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.

Don’t boil the Alfredo sauce: High heat can cause the cream and cheese to separate.

Cook shrimp separately: This makes it easier to avoid overcooking them.

Reserve pasta water: The starchy water is excellent for loosening and emulsifying the sauce.

Serve immediately: Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools.

Delicious Variations

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Alfredo

Increase the garlic and add extra Parmesan for a stronger savory flavor.

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo

Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.

Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo

Add steamed broccoli florets when tossing the pasta with the sauce.

Spinach Shrimp Alfredo

Stir a few handfuls of fresh spinach into the sauce and cook until wilted.

Mushroom Shrimp Alfredo

Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter before making the Alfredo sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Alfredo

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.

What to Serve With It

Pair your Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted asparagus
• Garlic green beans
• Crusty Italian bread

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When reheating, use low heat and add a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through.

Avoid overheating, which can cause the Alfredo sauce to become oily or grainy.

Creamy Alfredo sauce, tender garlic-seasoned shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta make this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta an easy, comforting dinner that tastes wonderfully indulgent.