Shrimp Alfredo: The Ultimate Creamy Pasta Recipe

Shrimp Alfredo: Just the name conjures images of creamy, decadent pasta perfection, doesn’t it? I’m thrilled to share my foolproof recipe for this classic dish that’s guaranteed to impress, whether you’re cooking for a romantic date night or a cozy family dinner. Forget those bland, jarred sauces – we’re making everything from scratch, and trust me, the difference is astronomical!

Alfredo sauce, in its simplest form, originated in Rome, Italy, at Alfredo di Lelio’s restaurant in the early 20th century. Legend has it that he created it to tempt his pregnant wife’s appetite. While the original recipe was just butter, Parmesan cheese, and pasta water, it has evolved over the years to include cream and other additions, becoming the rich and comforting sauce we know and love today. Adding succulent shrimp elevates this already luxurious dish to a whole new level.

People adore Shrimp Alfredo for its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The creamy, cheesy sauce coats every strand of perfectly cooked pasta, while the tender, juicy shrimp provide a delightful burst of seafood flavor. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a weeknight winner. Plus, who can resist that velvety smooth texture and the satisfying richness of Parmesan cheese? Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with my easy and delicious Shrimp Alfredo recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparing the Shrimp:

Okay, let’s get started with the shrimp! This is a crucial step because perfectly cooked shrimp makes all the difference in this dish. We want them tender and juicy, not rubbery.

1. Pat the shrimp dry: This is super important! Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the shrimp. Excess moisture will prevent them from browning properly and can lead to steaming instead of searing. We want that nice golden color and slightly crispy texture.
2. Season the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the dried shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning. This ensures every bite is flavorful. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
3. Cook the shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and slightly curled. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become tough.
4. Remove the shrimp: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. We’ll add them back to the sauce later.

Cooking the Pasta:

While we’re working on the shrimp, let’s get the pasta going. Perfectly cooked pasta is just as important as perfectly cooked shrimp! Al dente is the way to go – slightly firm to the bite.

1. Boil the water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Make sure you use enough water – about 6 quarts for a pound of pasta. This will prevent the pasta from sticking together.
2. Salt the water: Once the water is boiling, add a generous amount of salt. This seasons the pasta from the inside out. A good rule of thumb is to add about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.
3. Cook the pasta: Add the fettuccine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, or until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
4. Reserve pasta water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold! We’ll use it to help thicken the sauce and make it extra creamy.
5. Drain the pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Don’t rinse the pasta, as this will wash away the starch that helps the sauce cling to it.

Making the Alfredo Sauce:

Now for the star of the show – the Alfredo sauce! This is where the magic happens. A rich, creamy, and cheesy Alfredo sauce is what makes this dish so irresistible. Don’t be intimidated – it’s easier than you think!

1. Melt the butter: In the same skillet you used to cook the shrimp, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the sauce bitter.
3. Add the heavy cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the cream has slightly thickened.
4. Add the cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and Romano cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Make sure the cheese is fully incorporated into the sauce.
5. Season the sauce: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away!
6. Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, continue to simmer it over low heat until it thickens.

Assembling the Shrimp Alfredo:

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to bring everything together and create the ultimate Shrimp Alfredo experience.

1. Add the pasta to the sauce: Add the drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce. Make sure every strand of pasta is covered in that creamy goodness.
2. Add the shrimp to the pasta: Add the cooked shrimp to the pasta and sauce. Gently toss to combine.
3. Garnish and serve: Serve the Shrimp Alfredo immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice touch of heat, if you like.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Alfredo:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will always give you the best flavor. Use fresh garlic, fresh parsley, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most delicious results.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook the shrimp just until they are pink and opaque.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta is mushy and unpleasant. Cook the pasta until it is al dente – slightly firm to the bite.
• Adjust the sauce to your liking: The Alfredo sauce can be easily customized to your taste. Add more cheese for a cheesier sauce, more garlic for a garlicky sauce, or more pepper for a spicier sauce.
• Serve immediately: Shrimp Alfredo is best served immediately, while the sauce is still creamy and the pasta is still warm.

Variations:

• Add vegetables: You can add vegetables to your Shrimp Alfredo to make it a more complete meal. Some popular choices include broccoli, asparagus, peas, and mushrooms.
• Use different types of pasta: While fettuccine is the classic choice for Alfredo sauce, you can use other types of pasta as well. Some good alternatives include linguine, spaghetti, and penne.
• Add a protein: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can use other types of protein in your Alfredo. Some good options include chicken, scallops, and sausage.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Add lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavor of the Alfredo sauce.

Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Alfredo! I hope you find this recipe easy to follow and that it becomes a new favorite in your household. Bon appétit!

Conclusion:

This Shrimp Alfredo recipe isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a creamy, dreamy experience that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. The succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich, velvety Alfredo sauce combine to create a symphony of flavors that will have you craving it again and again. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it to your family or impressing guests. I truly believe this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

But what makes this Shrimp Alfredo truly special is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. While I’ve suggested fettuccine, penne, linguine, or even rotini would work beautifully. For a lighter option, try using whole wheat pasta or even zucchini noodles.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Looking for ways to elevate your Shrimp Alfredo even further? Consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing zing. For a more substantial meal, toss in some steamed broccoli, asparagus, or spinach. These additions not only boost the nutritional value but also add a pop of color and texture.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try grilling the shrimp instead of pan-frying them. The smoky char adds a unique depth of flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. You could also incorporate other seafood, such as scallops or mussels, for a decadent seafood Alfredo.

For those who prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes. The possibilities are endless!

And don’t forget the sides! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to cut through the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a must for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce. A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs wonderfully with this dish.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this Shrimp Alfredo recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for any occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? Share your photos and comments in the section below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to improve my recipes. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I can’t wait to see your amazing creations! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Shrimp Alfredo!