Homemade Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is the creamy, pasta dish that brings together tender shrimp, fettuccine noodles, and a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce. It’s a classic dish very popular among Italian Americans who make and enjoy this meal. Due to how awesome it is, shrimp alfredo pasta has over the years grown to become one of the most popular and sought after shrimp pasta recipes.
At its core, Alfredo sauce is a blend of butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth texture that perfectly engulfs the pasta. Garlic and Italian seasoning add depth, while a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavors even more. The shrimp is lightly seasoned and sautéed in butter and garlic, this makes it to add a slightly sweet, delicate seafood touch that goes beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Traditionally, Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is made with fettuccine, a long, flat noodle that holds onto the sauce well. However, as you can see from the following recipe I will be sharing with you, you can use other types of pasta like linguine or penne if that is what’s available to you. At the end of this recipe, you’ll find out you have made the most fancy and classy shrimp alfredo pasta ever. This simple and yet delicious shrimp alfredo pasta recipe was crafted to produce the absolute best result.
Homemade Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or pan
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Shrimp:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup pasta water if needed for thinning
- ¼ cup chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
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).
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
Cook the Shrimp
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turns pink and opaque.
- Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp and transfer to a plate.
Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly, and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Combine Everything
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
- Add the drained fettuccine pasta and toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Garnish & Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
Tips For A Better Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
- It melts better and gives a smoother sauce. If you want a smoother sauce, use fresh parmesan.
- Use chicken or salmon instead of shrimp, for a different varirty.
- Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream to make it lighter
- Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrients.
