Hey y'all! Ready to treat yourself to a mouthwatering meal that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant? This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Dinner is rich, cheesy, and loaded with tender shrimp in a silky Alfredo sauce—perfect for date night, family gatherings, or just because you deserve it. It's easy to whip up and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Dinner
- Luxuriously creamy and packed with garlicky flavor.
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients for effortless prep.
- Versatile—can be customized with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes.
- Restaurant-quality taste but so much cheaper and healthier at home!
Ingredients for Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Dinner
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions: How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Dinner
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente (about 10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium-low, pour in the heavy cream, and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Alfredo Sauce
Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Heat through for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Dinner to bowls or a large platter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes for Success with Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Dinner
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce—pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly (Serious Eats Alfredo Tips).
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they should be just pink and slightly firm to the touch.
- If your sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water a bit at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Variations: Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Dinner 3 Ways
- Chicken Alfredo: Swap shrimp for grilled or sautéed chicken breast slices.
- Vegetable Alfredo: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for a veggie-packed twist.
- Low Carb: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a lighter option.
Required Equipment for Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Dinner
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large nonstick skillet
- Colander
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions: Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Dinner
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate (Bon Appétit: How to Store & Reheat Pasta).
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
- Pair with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Pro Tips for Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Dinner
- Allow the cream to come to room temperature before adding to the pan to prevent curdling.
- For extra flavor, sauté a pinch of lemon zest with the garlic.
- Use wild-caught shrimp for the best texture and flavor (Cooking Light: Shrimp Buying Guide).
FAQ: Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Dinner
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely, pat dry, and proceed as directed.
Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich—add 1 tablespoon flour for a thicker texture.
How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?
Slowly whisk in Parmesan and use low heat; avoid overheating, which can cause separation.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
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1Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
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5Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the Alfredo sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
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6Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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