Name: Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter; 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1½ cups parmesan cheese, shredded; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, optional garnish; 1 pound large deveined and peeled shrimp (35 to 36 count), thawed if frozen; 8 ounces fettuccine, cooked according to package directions and drained

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 11 reviews

There is nothing quite as decadent and comforting as a bowl of Shrimp Alfredo: plump, juicy shrimp nestled on a bed of fettuccine, all twirled through an ultra-creamy, cheesy alfredo sauce. This dish feels like a special night out at your favorite Italian trattoria, yet it’s surprisingly easy to create right in your own kitchen. With just a handful of familiar ingredients and less than an hour, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dinner that wows the whole family—or makes an impressive date night treat! From its velvety texture to the subtle garlic warmth and sparkle of fresh parsley, you’ll adore every bite of this Shrimp Alfredo.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Shrimp Alfredo recipe is simple, but each plays a big role in building layers of flavor, creamy richness, and that signature luscious texture. Let’s see what makes this dish so special.

Salted sweet cream butter: Melts into the base for a rich, indulgent sauce, lending buttery smoothness in every bite.
Fresh minced garlic: Provides an aromatic kick that’s integral for the classic Italian vibe.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the Alfredo sauce just enough to give it that dreamy cling to your noodles.
Heavy cream: The secret to the unmatched silkiness Alfredo sauce is famous for.
Whole milk: Helps balance the cream so the sauce isn’t too heavy while still being ultra-lush.
Cream cheese (softened): Gives extra tang and an irresistibly creamy body to the sauce.
Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs that brings complexity and a hint of earthiness.
Kosher salt: Essential for bringing all the components together and enhancing every flavor note.
Parmesan cheese (shredded): Melts into the sauce, delivering sharp, nutty flavor and that gooey factor we crave.
Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh finishing touch that adds color and a pop of herbal brightness.
Large shrimp (deveined and peeled): The star of the show! Tender, juicy, and quick to cook, providing beautiful seafood richness.
Fettuccine pasta: Perfect for soaking up thick sauces and creating those glorious pasta twirls.

How to Make Shrimp Alfredo

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Start by setting your deepest (10 to 12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat and let the salted sweet cream butter fully melt. As soon as it bubbles, add the freshly minced garlic, stirring constantly for just one minute. This step pulls the essential oils from the garlic and infuses the butter with that classic savory aroma—don’t rush or overcook, or the garlic can burn!

Step 2: Build Your Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, then keep whisking for about 1 to 1½ minutes until the mixture turns light golden and starts bubbling gently. This quick step creates a silky-smooth base to help your Alfredo sauce achieve that signature texture without lumps.

Step 3: Whisk in the Cream and Milk

Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking vigorously as you go. Stick with it for 2 to 3 minutes—this coaxing step helps the sauce start to thicken and form those luscious, velvety ribbons that Shrimp Alfredo is known for.

Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese

Drop in chunks of softened cream cheese and whisk until it’s completely melted and incorporated. This is the not-so-secret ingredient that brings an insanely rich mouthfeel and a delicate tang, making your Alfredo sauce feel extra special.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Sprinkle in the onion powder, kosher salt, and Italian seasoning. Whisk well to ensure even flavor throughout your sauce. The Italian seasoning boosts the herbaceous notes, the onion powder layers in subtle sweetness, and the salt ties it all together.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan

Take the skillet off the heat, then gently fold in the shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and your sauce is irresistibly gooey. The cheese thickens the sauce further and gives that signature Alfredo bite.

Step 7: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat a separate nonstick skillet over medium-high, add your thawed shrimp, and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes. Once they turn vivid pink and lose all gray, they’re perfectly cooked! Try not to overcook or they’ll become rubbery instead of juicy—shrimp cooks fast.

Step 8: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Shrimp

Toss your hot, drained fettuccine right into the Alfredo sauce, gently mixing to coat every strand. Add the cooked shrimp on top and stir to combine, letting all those luxurious flavors meld together. Scatter with fresh chopped parsley for a final, mouthwatering finish!

How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo

Garnishes

A sprinkle of bright green parsley is the classic finishing touch, offering color and freshness against the creamy canvas. For even more flavor, shave a bit of extra Parmesan over each bowl or crack a little black pepper on top for subtle heat. Lemon zest or a few red pepper flakes can also add an exciting pop!

Side Dishes

Since Shrimp Alfredo is beautifully rich, it pairs especially well with simple sides like a crisp Caesar salad, a handful of steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus. Garlic bread is never a bad idea—it’s the perfect tool for scooping up every last swirl of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a restaurant-level look, try twirling the fettuccine into neat nests with tongs before topping with shrimp and sauce. Or serve family-style in a big platter garnished generously with herbs and cheese. Individual ramekins make adorable single servings for parties, while piling everything atop steamed zucchini noodles creates a lighter, gluten-free twist on Shrimp Alfredo!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Shrimp Alfredo can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The rich sauce may thicken as it chills, but the flavors only deepen, making it a delicious lunch or quick dinner the next day. Be sure to let the pasta and shrimp cool before sealing to prevent excess moisture.

Freezing

While Alfredo sauce doesn’t always freeze as smoothly as tomato-based sauces, you can freeze Shrimp Alfredo if needed. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and use within a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, noting that the sauce might separate a bit—just a good stir will help rescue things!

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid high temps, which may overcook the shrimp or cause the sauce to break. Stir patiently and enjoy as soon as things are hot throughout—your Shrimp Alfredo will be back to creamy perfection in no time.

Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Alfredo?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking. This prevents excess moisture in the pan and helps you get that perfect, juicy texture.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream in Alfredo sauce?

You can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk in place of heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit lighter and not quite as rich. Cream cheese adds back some of the velvety texture if you go this route.

What type of pasta works best with Shrimp Alfredo?

Fettuccine is the traditional and most satisfying pick since its width holds the creamy sauce beautifully, but you can use linguine, spaghetti, or even penne if you prefer.

How can I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

If your Alfredo sauce thickens more than you’d like (especially after sitting), simply stir in a splash or two of milk while warming it up. Whisk gently so the texture stays smooth and luxurious.

Can I add vegetables to this Shrimp Alfredo?

Definitely! Steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas make great additions—they add color, nutrition, and complement the creamy sauce and tender shrimp perfectly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to wow your family with something truly decadent and comforting, Shrimp Alfredo is a homemade classic everyone deserves to experience fresh from the stove. Gather your favorite pasta bowl and get ready for twirls of pasta, juicy shrimp, and swoon-worthy sauce—trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!