Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

If you love easy shrimp recipes like this one you will also love our Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta, Baja Shrimp Tacos Recipe, and Panko Shrimp. They are all budget-friendly, made with simple ingredients, and the kind of impressive seafood dinners your family will request on repeat all week long.

Ingredients

• Frozen precooked shrimp, peeled and deveined — the shortcut that makes this a 20-minute dinner. Buy them already peeled and deveined so all you have to do is thaw and remove the tails. Look for medium to large shrimp for the best result in alfredo
• Butter — the rich base that starts the sauce and gives it that classic restaurant alfredo flavor. Unsalted gives you the most control over the final seasoning
• Salt and pepper — essential seasoning throughout. Season the shrimp directly in the pan before adding the cream for the most flavorful result
• Minced garlic — the backbone of the alfredo flavor. Fresh minced gives the boldest most aromatic result. Add extra if your family loves garlic the way ours does
• Heavy cream — non-negotiable for authentic creamy alfredo. Do not substitute with half and half or milk — they have less fat and will give you a thin watery sauce instead of the rich glossy result heavy cream creates
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated — always grate fresh from a block. The freshly grated parmesan melts into the cream smoothly and gives you a silky sauce — pre-shredded parmesan has anti-caking agents that make the sauce grainy
• Fettuccine, cooked — the classic alfredo pasta. Cook to al dente and reserve a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to loosen the sauce
• Fresh parsley — chopped and sprinkled over the top right before serving for color and a fresh herby brightness

How to Make Shrimp Alfredo

Step 1 – Add the shrimp with the seasonings and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.

Step 2 – Add all of the delicious cream and Parmesan cheese.

Step 3 – Combine together and let simmer.

Step 4 – It is really that simple and you can top with more Parmesan cheese if you prefer before serving over cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper.

Tips for Success

• Dry the shrimp thoroughly before cooking. Excess moisture from thawing prevents the shrimp from getting that light golden color — always pat completely dry with paper towels before adding to the pan
• Never substitute heavy cream. Heavy cream is what creates the thick rich glossy sauce — half and half or milk have less fat and will give you a thin watery result that does not coat the pasta properly
• Always use freshly grated parmesan. Pre-shredded parmesan does not melt smoothly — always grate fresh from a block for a silky sauce
• Do not overheat the shrimp. Since they are precooked they only need 1–2 minutes per side to heat through — overcooking makes them rubbery and tough
• Reserve pasta water. A splash of starchy pasta water loosens the sauce beautifully if it gets too thick — always save a cup before draining
• Serve immediately. Alfredo sauce thickens as it sits and does not reheat as well as it eats fresh — serve the moment it comes together for the best result

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap fettuccine for penne linguine or spaghetti — whatever you have in the pantry works beautifully
• Add a pinch of cayenne or Cajun seasoning for a spicy shrimp alfredo with a kick of heat
• Add baby spinach or steamed broccoli in the last minute of cooking for extra vegetables
• Add sun-dried tomatoes for a rich savory twist that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce
• Use raw shrimp instead of precooked — cook for 3–4 minutes per side until pink and opaque before proceeding with the sauce
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish for a bright finish that cuts through the richness

Serving Suggestions

The alfredo sauce is simply amazing by itself. But we always like serving with a side to complete the meal. Here are some of our favorites:

• We love Garlic Bread Cheese Sticks Recipe and it is perfect for getting every last bit of that amazing sauce.
• We often serve a simple salad or Easy Caesar Salad Recipe with this meal. It is quick and easy and goes great with shrimp alfredo.
• You could also try Roasted Green Beans or learn how to steam broccoli in the microwave for a super easy veggie side dish.

We love to keep things simple around here so we can get dinner on the table fast.

Storage and Freezer Instructions

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days — the sauce thickens significantly in the refrigerator so add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to loosen it back up

Freezer

• Not recommended — cream-based sauces separate when frozen and thawed giving you a grainy watery result. Make only what you plan to eat within 4 days

Reheating

• Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk stirring frequently until warmed through — microwave in 60-second intervals also works but stir between each one to prevent the sauce from separating