This is the kind of creamy shrimp pasta that makes an ordinary dinner feel a little more special. Tender garlic shrimp and fettuccine get coated in a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce, making every bite comforting and satisfying. It comes together in just 35 minutes for an easy, indulgent meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Alfredo, elevated with shrimp. A familiar comfort food dish made extra special.
- Rich, homemade Parmesan sauce. Simple ingredients create a sauce that’s smooth and full of flavor.
- Ready in 35 minutes. A satisfying dinner that doesn’t take all evening.
- A little heat if you want it. Red pepper flakes are optional, so you can adjust the spice to taste.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo
1. Cook the fettuccine. Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Season the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry and season evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
3. Cook the shrimp. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
4. Sauté the garlic. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add the garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
5. Start the Alfredo sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the Parmesan. Gradually stir in the Parmesan until melted and the garlic Alfredo sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the optional red pepper flakes.
7. Toss with the pasta. Add the cooked fettuccine and toss until every strand is coated in the creamy garlic sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the Alfredo sauce needs thinning.
8. Finish the shrimp Alfredo. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss with the creamy fettuccine until everything is warmed through.
9. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle the creamy garlic shrimp Alfredo with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo
- Don’t overcook the shrimp in the first sear. They’ll go back into the sauce briefly, so 2 to 3 minutes per side is enough.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce, since pre-shredded cheese can make it slightly grainy.
- Save that pasta water. Adding it gradually helps you control the sauce’s consistency and gives it a silkier texture.
- Toss gently when combining everything. This coats the pasta and shrimp evenly without breaking anything apart.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo
A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs nicely, since the pasta itself is rich and satisfying on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, linguine or penne would both work well in place of fettuccine.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking so they sear properly instead of releasing excess water.
Can I lighten up the sauce?
Half-and-half can be used in place of heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit thinner and less rich.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Pat the shrimp dry and season evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add the garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually stir in the Parmesan until melted and the garlic Alfredo sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the optional red pepper flakes.
- Add the cooked fettuccine and toss until every strand is coated in the creamy garlic sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the Alfredo sauce needs thinning.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss with the creamy fettuccine until everything is warmed through.
- Sprinkle the creamy garlic shrimp Alfredo with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and black pepper. Serve immediately for a rich and easy seafood dinner.