Looking for a fast, decadent dinner that’s easier than it looks? This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a winner—juicy shrimp, rich cream sauce, and tender fettuccine come together in under 30 minutes! Simpler than chicken Alfredo, this dish packs big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for a weeknight treat, Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta will impress without the stress. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Shrimp cooks in minutes—faster than chicken.
- Velvety sauce with Parmesan and garlic goodness.
- One-pan sauce prep for easy cleanup.
- Rich but balanced with just 9 oz of pasta.
- Family-friendly and ready in a flash.
Tools Needed
To whip up this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools. Missing anything? Visit Our Shop for quality essentials to simplify your cooking!
- Non-stick skillet: For searing shrimp and making sauce (Serious Eats guide to top skillets).
- Large pot: To boil the pasta perfectly.
- Tongs: For flipping shrimp and tossing pasta.
- Grater: For fresh Parmesan richness.
- Colander: To drain pasta while saving water.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta (serves 4):
- 1 lb U25-26 shrimp (peeled, deveined)
- ½ tsp baking soda (optional, for texture)
- ¼ tsp each salt, black pepper, garlic powder
- 9 oz fettuccine (egg fettuccine preferred)
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- 1¼ cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (plus extra)
- 1 stick (115g) butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Directions
Follow these steps to make your Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta:
- Prep Shrimp: Season shrimp with baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let sit 10 minutes.
- Boil Pasta: Cook fettuccine in salted water (2 tbsp kosher salt per gallon) until al dente (4-5 minutes for egg fettuccine). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium (4/10 heat) with 1 tbsp oil. Sear shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until pink but not fully cooked. Set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add garlic, sauté 30 seconds, then stir in cream and Parmesan. Simmer gently until cohesive (3-5 minutes).
- Combine: Add pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Toss with a splash of pasta water if too thick. Heat through 1-2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
- Don’t overcook shrimp—they finish in the sauce.
- Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Freshly grate Parmesan for the best melt.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking shrimp: Sear lightly—they’ll finish later.
- Skipping pasta water: It’s key for a silky sauce.
- High heat on sauce: Burns the cream—keep it low.
Variations
Make this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta your own with these twists:
- Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken.
- Mix in spinach or peas for color.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove with a splash of cream or water.
- Freezing: Not ideal—cream sauce may separate.
FAQs
- Why baking soda on shrimp?
It keeps them plump and tender—optional but effective. - Can I use half-and-half?
Yes, but it’s less rich—cream is best. - Fresh vs. frozen shrimp?
Both work; thaw frozen shrimp first. - More garlic?
Add to taste—can’t go wrong with extra! - Gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free fettuccine.
Conclusion
This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a quick, luxurious meal that delivers big on flavor with little effort. Perfect for any night, it’s a step up from takeout. Try it out and grab kitchen essentials at Our Shop for more pasta perfection!
