Hey y'all! If you’re searching for a meal that feels like a restaurant treat right in your own kitchen, this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce is exactly what you need. Featuring plump, juicy shrimp, silky fettuccine, and a decadent garlic cream sauce, this dish is as comforting as it is impressive—perfect for cozy weeknights, quick date nights, or even fancy dinner parties. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Garlic Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights.
- The creamy garlic Alfredo sauce is rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor.
- Succulent shrimp add protein and a touch of luxury.
- Uses simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find.
- Feels like dining out, but you control the quality and portions!
Ingredients for Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Garlic
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions: How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Garlic
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions (about 10-12 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 minutes per side, or until pink and just opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Melt remaining 2 tablespoon butter, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute (don’t let the garlic brown).
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring to incorporate the garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened (about 2-3 minutes). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce gets too thick, add pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
- Add drained fettuccine and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy garlic Alfredo sauce. Heat another minute until everything is warmed through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve immediately!
Notes for the Best Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Garlic
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Learn more about why fresh Parmesan matters.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—once they turn pink, remove them to keep them juicy and tender.
- If you're sensitive to dairy, try a lactose-free cream alternative.
Variations on Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Garlic
- Add steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for extra veggies and color.
- Swap shrimp for grilled chicken breast or seared scallops.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
Equipment Needed for Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Garlic
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Tongs or pasta spoon
- Grater for fresh Parmesan
Storage Instructions for Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Garlic
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk and warm gently over low heat to maintain the creaminess. Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate and shrimp can become rubbery.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
- Serve with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
- Pair with a crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, for a classic touch.
- Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for a burst of freshness.
Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Garlic
- Always reserve some pasta water—it helps thin the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta. Why pasta water is magic.
- Make sure your skillet isn’t too hot when adding cream to prevent curdling.
- For extra garlic flavor, rub the serving plates with a cut clove of garlic before plating.
FAQ: Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Creamy Garlic
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking for the best texture.
- What kind of pasta works best?
- Fettuccine is classic, but linguine or penne also work well with this creamy garlic Alfredo sauce.
- Is this dish kid-friendly?
- Absolutely! You can skip the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor that’s perfect for kids.
For more nutritional information about shrimp, check out this article on shrimp health benefits.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 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 over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
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5Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy garlic Alfredo sauce.
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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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