Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Looking for a decadent yet easy dinner? This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is simpler than chicken Alfredo and comes together in a flash! With tender shrimp, rich cream, and Parmesan, it’s a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home. Perfect for a cozy night in, this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is heavy on flavor but light on effort. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Shrimp cooks fast—faster than chicken!
• Velvety sauce with minimal ingredients.
• Perfectly portioned for four servings.
• One-pan ease for quick cleanup.
• Rich, garlicky, and oh-so-creamy.

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: Makes sauce prep a breeze (Serious Eats guide to top skillets).
• Large pot: For boiling pasta perfectly.
• Tongs: To flip shrimp and toss pasta.
• Grater: For fresh Parmesan goodness.
• Colander: To drain pasta while reserving water.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta (serves 4):

• 1 lb U25-26 shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ tsp baking soda (optional, for texture)
• ¼ tsp each salt, black pepper, garlic powder
• 9 oz fettuccine (egg fettuccine preferred)
• 1 stick (115g) butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1¼ cups heavy cream
• 1¼ cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (plus extra)
• 3 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
• Extra black pepper (optional garnish)

Directions

Follow these steps to make your Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta:

1. Prep Shrimp: Toss shrimp with baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let sit 10 minutes.
2. 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.
3. Cook Shrimp: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium (4/10 heat). Add 1 tbsp oil, sear shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until pink but not fully cooked. Set aside.
4. 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).
5. Combine: Add pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Toss with reserved pasta water to loosen if needed. Cook 1 minute more. Stir in parsley.
6. Serve: Plate and garnish with extra Parmesan and pepper.

Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

• Don’t overcook shrimp—they finish in the sauce.
• Use pasta water to adjust sauce thickness.
• Freshly grate Parmesan for the best melt.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking shrimp: They’ll turn rubbery—keep it quick.
• Too much heat: Burns garlic and splits cream.
• Skipping pasta water: Makes sauce too thick.

Variations

Make this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta your own with these twists:

• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Swap shrimp for scallops.
• Use cayenne for a spicy kick.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream.
• Freezing: Not ideal—cream may separate.

FAQs

1. Can I skip baking soda?
   Yes, it’s optional for tenderizing shrimp.
2. Why less pasta than usual?
   The rich sauce balances 9 oz perfectly.
3. Fresh vs. frozen shrimp?
   Either works—thaw frozen first.
4. No Parmigiano-Reggiano?
   Regular Parmesan is fine.
5. Can I use half-and-half?
   Yes, but it won’t be as creamy.

Conclusion

This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a fast, indulgent treat that’s easier than you think. With its luscious sauce and succulent shrimp, it’s a dinner win every time. Try it out and grab essentials at Our Shop for more pasta perfection!