Shrimp Alfredo recipe is a seafood lover’s dream! These delicious shrimp and fettuccine pasta are mixed in Alfredo sauce. It’s perfect for a quick and comforting dinner.
What is Shrimp Alfredo?
Shrimp Alfredo is an Italian-American pasta thats made with sautéed shrimp in a creamy Alfredo sauce. The sauce is made from butter, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The sauce is creating a rich and delicious flavor that coats the pasta.
Usually this Shrimp Alfredo is served with fettuccine but you can choose what you like. You can make it your own with ingredients like vegetables or spices to your taste. It’s a comfort food that’s super easy to make and it’s perfect for any occasion.
Why I Love This Recipe?
I love this Shrimp Alfredo recipe because it’s super easy and quick to make. It’s a way to have a delicious Italian American meal at home. The creamy Alfredo sauce with shrimp is very satisfying. And the recipe is fast enough for busy weeknights.
The flavors are very rich but feel quite light because of the fresh shrimp and the garlic and Parmesan in the sauce. It’s a simple dinner or a special meal for guests!
Key Ingredients
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined, add the best seafood flavor. If using frozen, thaw them and pat dry so they sear nicely.
Fettuccine: This classic pasta is perfect for Alfredo sauce. The wide and flat shape holds the creamy sauce in every bite.
Butter: The base of the Alfredo sauce. I use unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness of the dish.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds amazing flavor and aroma to the sauce. It’s simple but makes a big difference.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich, creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a must! It melts smoothly into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty flavor.
Chicken Broth: Helps thin out the sauce while adding extra flavor. I recommend using low-sodium broth to avoid too much salt.
Cream Cheese: Adds a tangy, creamy richness to the sauce and helps thicken it for the perfect consistency.
Expert Tips
Choosing the Shrimp: Use large shrimp (16/20 count per pound) for the best bite. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to make sure that they sear nicely.
Perfect Alfredo Sauce: To prevent the sauce from becoming grainy, slowly add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Whisk continuously over low heat until fully melted. Avoid high heat, because it can make the cheese to separate.
Customize Your Dish: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce if you want. You can also spice it up with red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the fettuccine al dente because it will continue to cook when mixed in the hot Alfredo sauce. Save a cup of pasta cooking water before draining to help the sauce consistency if needed.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Alfredo: You can skip the shrimp and add veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini for a hearty, meat-free version.
- Low-Calorie Alfredo: Use a mix of milk and a little cornstarch instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. Low-fat cream cheese works great too.
- Gluten-Free Alfredo: Swap out regular pasta for gluten-free fettuccine. Just double-check that all other ingredients, like broth, are gluten-free.
- Seafood Alfredo: For something different, replace the shrimp with scallops or crabmeat. The rich Alfredo sauce pairs perfectly with both.
- Baked Shrimp Alfredo: Combine the pasta, shrimp, and Alfredo sauce in a baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
How to Serve?
Serve this Shrimp Alfredo hot, right from the skillet. I like to serve it garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley color and flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
For a lighter option you can serve it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. A glass of chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, complements the pasta perfectly.
How to Store?
Store leftover Shrimp Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat you can warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent the sauce from separating.
