Creamy, rich, and packed with savory flavor, this Garlic Butter Bacon-Style Shrimp Alfredo combines tender shrimp, crispy bacon, buttery garlic, and silky Parmesan Alfredo sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting restaurant-style dinner that comes together quickly enough for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
- Salt, for the pasta water
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crumbled crispy bacon
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy and golden.
Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet with the bacon fat.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until pink, opaque, and cooked through.
Add the minced garlic during the final 30–60 seconds of cooking and stir until fragrant.
Transfer the shrimp to a plate so it doesn’t overcook.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Do not let the cream boil aggressively.
Add the Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss gently until thoroughly coated.
Return the shrimp and crispy bacon to the skillet and gently mix everything together.
Cook for another minute or two, just until heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the pasta to serving plates and top with extra Parmesan, crispy bacon, and fresh parsley.
For a little heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and warm.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Alfredo
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they’re opaque and firm.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly and gives the Alfredo sauce a richer flavor.
Keep the heat moderate: High heat can cause the cream sauce to separate.
Save some pasta water: The starchy water helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy.
Cook the pasta just until al dente: It will continue cooking slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
Easy Variations
For extra vegetables, add sautéed spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
You can substitute chicken for shrimp or use a combination of chicken and shrimp.
For a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove or two of freshly minced garlic.
For a lighter sauce, replace part of the heavy cream with whole milk, keeping in mind that the sauce will be less rich.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water. Stir frequently until warmed through.
This Garlic Butter Bacon-Style Shrimp Alfredo delivers tender shrimp, smoky crispy bacon, buttery garlic, and creamy Parmesan sauce in every bite. It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect when you’re craving an indulgent homemade pasta dinner.