Name: Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3/4 lb fettuccine or penne pasta; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 Tbsp oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1 garlic clove; 1/3 cup white wine; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/3 cup parmesan cheese; Salt & pepper to taste; Sprinkle of paprika; Parsley or basil for garnish

Let’s talk about something truly irresistible: the Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe. This is my absolute go-to when I’m craving comfort food that feels a little special, a little indulgent, and a lot satisfying. You know the kind—creamy sauce, plump shrimp, ribbons of fettuccine, finished with a shower of parmesan and fresh herbs. It’s almost like bringing Olive Garden’s seafood alfredo into your own kitchen, but even better because you get to control every ingredient. If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet luxurious enough for a celebration, you’ve just found it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe has its own job to do, lending layers of flavor and texture to the finished dish. With just a handful of simple components, each bringing something special, you can create a restaurant-worthy dinner right at home.

Pasta (fettuccine or penne): The noodles soak up the velvety Alfredo sauce, giving every bite that dreamy creamy coating.
Shrimp, peeled and deveined: Big, juicy shrimp are the star—choose medium to large for the most satisfying texture.
Oil: For searing the shrimp quickly and ensuring a lovely golden crust without sticking.
Small onion, finely chopped: This adds a gentle sweetness and solid flavor base to the sauce.
Unsalted butter: Melted in the pan, it creates a lush and glossy base for your sauce.
Garlic clove: Just one is enough to infuse the whole Alfredo with that classic Italian aroma.
White wine (such as Chardonnay): A splash of white wine adds acidity and brings out all the other flavors beautifully.
Heavy whipping cream: The backbone of your Alfredo sauce—rich, decadent, and silky-smooth.
Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, it melts into the sauce for that iconic Alfredo flavor and creaminess.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer to perfection.
Paprika: Just a sprinkle elevates the shrimp and adds beautiful color.
Parsley or basil for garnish: Fresh herbs at the end bring brightness and make every plate pop.

How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a big pot of water and adding a toss of salt—it should taste almost like the sea! Drop in your fettuccine (or penne) and cook according to the package instructions. Don’t rinse the noodles after draining them; the natural starch helps the creamy Alfredo sauce hug each strand perfectly.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp

Give your shrimp a quick shower of salt, pepper, and paprika—just enough to develop flavor and color. Preheat a large skillet with a splash of oil on medium-high. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, letting them sizzle for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn opaque and pink. Resist the urge to overcook them; we want them juicy and tender, not rubbery. Scoop them out onto a plate while you move on.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt the butter and toss in your chopped onion, letting it caramelize to a golden sweetness. As soon as it’s fragrant and soft, stir in your minced garlic and sauté for another minute. This is where your kitchen starts to remind you of your favorite Italian restaurant!

Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine

Pour in the white wine and give the bottom of the pan a gentle scrape to loosen any flavorful bits. Let the wine reduce by about 75 percent, concentrating the flavor and forming the backbone of your sauce. This step adds a splash of brightness that balances all the creamy elements later on.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Lower the heat and stream in your heavy cream, giving it a gentle simmer for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and stir continually—watch carefully so the cheese melts in completely without the sauce boiling (that’s how you keep it smooth and luscious). Add a little more salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika to taste.

Step 6: Toss Everything Together

Now for the best part: tumble the drained pasta and seared shrimp right into your sauce. Using tongs, gently toss everything so every strand is slicked in Alfredo and the shrimp get evenly distributed. Turn off the heat, taste for seasoning, then finish it all off with fresh parsley or basil, a final grating of parmesan, or even some cracked black pepper.

How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A few simple garnishes can take this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe from excellent to absolutely extraordinary. Try a shower of freshly grated parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil, and a little extra black pepper. Lemon zest is also a fun way to add pop and freshness just before serving.

Side Dishes

Balance the creamy richness of this pasta with a bright, crisp green salad—something with arugula, baby spinach, or mixed greens—dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil. Warm, crusty bread is non-negotiable for me; you’ll want it to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted broccoli or asparagus also work beautifully as a side.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra wow factor, try serving your Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe in individual pasta bowls, topped with a twist of fried basil or crunchy breadcrumbs. If you’re hosting, spoon the pasta into a large platter, nestle the shrimp right on top, and garnish generously. Those little touches make dinner feel really special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, scoop them into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even more overnight, and the shrimp stays juicy as long as it doesn’t get overcooked during reheating.

Freezing

While creamy sauces aren’t at their absolute peak after freezing (sometimes the sauce can separate), you can freeze this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe if needed. Cool completely first, then freeze in a well-sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

The key to reheating is gentle heat! Place leftovers in a saucepan over low, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce looks too thick. Stir frequently until warmed through and the sauce is silky again. Try to avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat them dry so they sear nicely, and follow the recipe as written. Frozen pre-cooked shrimp will also work, but be mindful to add them at the very end so they don’t get tough.

What’s the best substitute for white wine in the Alfredo sauce?

If you’d rather skip the wine, try a splash of chicken or vegetable broth plus a squeeze of lemon juice. This keeps the sauce lively and flavorful without using alcohol.

Which pasta shapes work best for Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

Classic fettuccine is traditional because its wide, flat noodles capture the creamy sauce perfectly, but penne, linguine, or even spaghetti are great choices too. Pick your favorite or use what you have on hand!

How do I keep shrimp from overcooking?

Shrimp cook super fast—usually just 1 to 2 minutes per side. Pull them from the heat as soon as they turn opaque and pink, and remember they’ll warm up again when tossed in the sauce at the end.

Can I add vegetables or other proteins?

Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even some grilled chicken can be folded into your Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe for extra color and nutrition. This dish is very flexible!

Final Thoughts

This is a recipe I come back to again and again, and I just know you’ll fall for it too. There’s something incredibly comforting about twirling creamy noodles and savoring plump shrimp with every bite. Give this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe a try—you might just discover it’s your new favorite, too!