Creamy, comforting, and packed with juicy shrimp, this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is your go-to for a restaurant-style meal at home. With rich Alfredo sauce clinging to every strand of pasta and succulent shrimp layered throughout, it’s indulgent in the best way. Whether you’re making dinner for a special occasion or simply elevating your weeknight meal, this dish offers both ease and elegance.

The silky Alfredo base complements the sweet, briny flavor of shrimp perfectly, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley and parmesan adds just the right brightness. It all comes together quickly in one pan, yet feels like something you’d get from your favorite Italian spot.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Classic fettuccine or linguine are traditional favorites for Alfredo dishes because their flat surfaces hold onto the sauce beautifully. You can also use spaghetti or even penne for a shorter option—just aim for a shape that captures the creamy sauce well. If you prefer a lighter dish, try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs.

Ingredients for the Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Shrimp: Look for large, peeled and deveined shrimp. Their slightly sweet taste pairs wonderfully with creamy sauces.

Pasta: Fettuccine or spaghetti are great options, chosen for their ability to hold onto the sauce.

Butter: Adds richness and helps cook the garlic and shrimp to golden perfection.

Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with depth and savory notes.

Heavy Cream: This is the base of the Alfredo sauce—it gives that luscious, creamy texture.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor. It thickens and flavors the sauce.

Salt & Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor. Go easy on the salt if your Parmesan is salty.

Parsley: Chopped parsley finishes the dish with a burst of freshness and color.

How To Make the Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Return the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the Alfredo sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and let everything heat through for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

Serving and Storing Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Serve your Shrimp Alfredo Pasta hot, straight from the skillet, ideally with a crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side. This dish is best enjoyed immediately to appreciate the creamy texture of the sauce before it thickens upon cooling.

If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help loosen the sauce as it warms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep Alfredo sauce from separating?

Avoid overheating the sauce. Keep it at a gentle simmer and stir continuously while adding the cheese. Also, don’t skip the cream—it stabilizes the sauce.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Excess moisture can make them rubbery and dilute the sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter option, though the sauce will be thinner. A mix of milk and cream cheese also works in a pinch.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently. But if you’d like a kick, add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions. Just sauté or steam them and stir into the pasta before serving.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

You might also like the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, a hearty one-pan meal perfect for weeknights. Or try the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for something with a little extra spice and boldness.

For a seafood twist, check out the Easy Seafood Casserole—rich and satisfying with multiple textures. If you’re craving something even creamier, the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce might be your next go-to.

Or for a stovetop wonder, the One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta brings the drama and the flavor in every bite.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your pasta boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you toss in spinach? Did you go heavy on the garlic? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others bring their flavor spin.

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and indulgent dish, Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is perfect for a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends. With tender shrimp, rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a flavorful combination that’s always a hit.

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons butter, divided

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and add garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Return shrimp to skillet and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner