Name: Easy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound uncooked (31-40/pound size) shrimp thawed & peeled, tails optional; 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 ounces cream cheese softened & cut into smaller pieces; 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 2 large cloves garlic minced; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Salt & pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 30 reviews

If you’re craving a rich, creamy pasta that feels like a hug from your favorite Italian restaurant but without the fuss, I’ve got you covered. This Easy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is genuinely one of my go-to dishes when I want something luxurious yet surprisingly simple to whip up at home. Trust me, the velvety sauce paired with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked fettuccine is absolutely fan-freaking-tastic, and I can’t wait to share all my tips so you can nail it every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using cream cheese and fresh parmesan builds a rich and creamy sauce that doesn’t require fancy components.
Quick and Easy Prep: The shrimp cooks fast and the sauce comes together in under 10 minutes, making weeknight dinners doable.
Comfort Food That Impresses: It looks and tastes like restaurant-quality Alfredo, but you’re the chef in your own kitchen.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak the sauce thickness or swap the protein without losing that creamy goodness.

Shrimp Alfredo, easy shrimp pasta, creamy seafood pasta, quick shrimp Alfredo, simple Italian shrimp dish - A close-up view of a silver pan filled with creamy white sauce pasta mixed with pink shrimp. The pasta, light yellow and smooth, is covered in a thick white sauce and evenly spread throughout the pan. Plump shrimp are scattered on top and mixed in, their soft pink color contrasting with the white sauce. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled over the dish for a fresh touch. A pair of metal tongs and a spoon are resting on the pasta, indicating the dish is being stirred or served. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient plays a starring role in making this Easy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe a creamy, flavorful hit. I always opt for fresh or thawed shrimp and quality parmesan because those small quality touches shine through every bite.

Shrimp Alfredo, easy shrimp pasta, creamy seafood pasta, quick shrimp Alfredo, simple Italian shrimp dish - Flat lay of peeled raw shrimp with tails, a small bundle of uncooked fettuccine pasta, a few tablespoons of butter in a white ceramic bowl, several small cubes of softened cream cheese on a white plate, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl of chicken broth, two whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with freshly grated parmesan cheese, and two whole brown eggs arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

S hrimp: I like medium-large size (31-40 per pound) so they’re meaty and cook quickly; thawed and peeled makes prep simpler.
Fettuccine: This wide pasta holds onto sauce better than thinner noodles—perfect for that luscious Alfredo.
Butter: Adds a delicious richness and helps melt the cream cheese evenly.
Cream Cheese: Gives the sauce a smooth, velvety base—I soften it first for easy melting.
Heavy Cream: Boosts the richness and silky texture without being too heavy.
Chicken Broth: A touch of broth lightens the sauce just enough for balance and adds savory depth.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides that garlicky aroma and flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for that tangy, nutty finish that gives Alfredo its signature taste.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning — I always taste and adjust slowly so nothing gets overpowering.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Easy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe my own by playing around with what’s in my pantry and what flavors my family is craving. You should totally feel free to experiment and find your perfect balance!

Add Some Heat: I often toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic—it gives just the right subtle kick without overpowering the creaminess.
Swap the Protein: Sometimes I use scallops or chicken instead of shrimp, depending on what’s on sale or what I have on hand.
Lower Fat Version: I’ve tried using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce; it still works, just a bit less rich.
Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil sprinkled on top at the end really brightens the dish and adds a fresh pop of color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook Fettuccine Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—think about the ocean-level saltiness so your pasta isn’t bland. Add your fettuccine and cook it just until al dente according to the package instructions, usually around 10 minutes. Don’t overcook here; you want that perfect chew because the pasta will keep soaking in the sauce while serving.

Step 2: Craft That Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter first, then add the cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and garlic. Once the butter is fully melted and the pan warms up, gently stir to help the cream cheese melt smoothly into the sauce. This usually takes a couple of minutes—patience here pays off! Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir every now and then to keep it from sticking to the pan’s bottom.

Step 3: Add Parmesan and Season

Grate your parmesan cheese fresh while the sauce is simmering—that’s key for that real-deal flavor boost. Stir it into the sauce and let it melt for about a minute. Then, season with salt and pepper carefully, tasting as you go. Remember, parmesan adds saltiness, so go light at first.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp Right in the Sauce

Add your peeled shrimp directly into the sauce and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the shrimp to turn opaque and pink but not rubbery—this usually happens quickly. I find cooking them in the sauce adds extra flavor absorption that’s a total game changer.

Step 5: Toss with Pasta and Serve Immediately

Drain your pasta (but remember to save a little pasta water, just in case!). Toss the fettuccine into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce, mixing gently so every strand gets coated. If the sauce feels a bit thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Serve right away to enjoy the sauce at its creamy peak.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Softening Cream Cheese: If you forget to soften your cream cheese, pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds in intervals—this saves melting headaches in the sauce!
Avoid Rubber Shrimp: Keep cooking time short for shrimp—overcooked shrimp get tough fast, so watch them like a hawk.
Balance Sauce Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much while you cook, stir in reserved hot pasta water a little at a time to loosen it perfectly.
Fresh Parmesan Matters: Grate your parmesan fresh—not pre-grated powders—to get that smooth melt and rich cheesy flavor.

How to Serve Easy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Shrimp Alfredo, easy shrimp pasta, creamy seafood pasta, quick shrimp Alfredo, simple Italian shrimp dish - The image shows a close-up of creamy shrimp pasta with thick, flat noodles mixed in a white cream sauce. The noodles are smooth and light yellow, tangled together with several plump, pink shrimp placed on top and within the pasta. The shrimp have a light, slightly translucent texture with some orange highlights. Small specks of black pepper are sprinkled evenly over the dish, adding contrast to the creaminess. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving—it adds a fresh herbal note and a lovely green pop that makes the plate feel complete. Sometimes, I like a zest of lemon or a small dash of cracked black pepper for a bit of zing.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I typically pair this creamy shrimp Alfredo with a side of sautéed green beans or a crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette? Always a winner here for mopping up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this dish in shallow bowls to highlight the shrimp nestled on top of the fettuccine. Garnishing with edible flowers or finely shaved parmesan curls adds a subtle elegance that makes dinner feel fancy without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Easy Shrimp Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp and pasta soak up the sauce flavors overnight, which is delicious, but the sauce can thicken, so you might want to thin it out when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish because the cream sauce can separate and the shrimp might toughen. I recommend cooking fresh when possible, but if you must freeze, store the sauce and pasta separately from shrimp and thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I warm the sauce gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive that silky texture. Adding the shrimp last, just until warmed through, keeps it from overcooking. Toss with pasta and serve immediately for best results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp directly in this Easy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe?

It’s best to thaw shrimp before cooking to ensure even cooking and avoid watering down the sauce. Rinse them under cold water while in a colander to defrost quickly, then pat dry before adding to the pan.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the sauce?

If you don’t have cream cheese, mascarpone or even a mix of cream and a bit of flour for thickening can work, but cream cheese gives a uniquely creamy texture and slight tang that’s hard to replicate.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes! Simply swap regular fettuccine with a gluten-free version. The sauce and shrimp remain naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I prepare this Easy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe ahead of time for guests?

You can prep the sauce and shrimp separately a few hours ahead and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta. Just avoid cooking everything too far in advance to keep shrimp tender and sauce creamy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Shrimp Alfredo Recipe really feels like one of those dishes that warms your soul and impresses your dinner guests without causing stress in the kitchen. I love how fast it comes together and how flexible it is to your preferences. Give it a try next time you want that creamy, garlicky pasta comfort but crave the freshness of shrimp instead of the usual chicken. I guarantee it’ll become a treasured staple in your recipe rotation, just like it is in mine.