Shrimp Alfredo Pasta 🍤🧄🧈🧀 Rich, Creamy, and Loaded With Buttery Garlic Shrimp in a Silky Parmesan Sauce

This is the indulgent pasta you crave when you want something decadent — seared shrimp nestled into fettuccine and coated in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce.

It’s buttery, cheesy, and satisfying without being heavy. Think steakhouse pasta comfort with a seafood spin, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the pasta

• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
• Salted water for boiling
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

For the shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

For the Alfredo sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or squeeze of lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

To finish

• Chopped parsley or basil
• Extra Parmesan for topping
• Optional: drizzle of olive oil or chili crisp for contrast

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sear the shrimp
Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Start the sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Make it creamy
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan gradually until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a tiny pinch of nutmeg or lemon if using.

Step 5: Combine and toss
Add pasta and reserved water to the sauce. Toss gently until coated and glossy. Add shrimp back in and toss to warm through.

Step 6: Serve immediately
Top with herbs, extra cheese, and a finishing drizzle if desired. Serve hot.

Flavor Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra depth
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic
• Use half-and-half or milk + cream cheese for a lighter version
• Swap shrimp for scallops, chicken, or lobster
• Finish with chili flakes or white truffle oil for luxury flair

Pro Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts smoother than pre-shredded
• Don’t let the cream boil hard — low simmer only
• Shrimp cook fast — remove the moment they turn pink
• Warm pasta water helps loosen the sauce without breaking it
• Want it richer? Add a spoonful of mascarpone or cream cheese

Final Thoughts

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is everything you want in a comfort dish: rich, garlicky, and endlessly creamy — but balanced by the briny pop of tender shrimp. It’s an easy luxury, perfect for date nights, dinner guests, or just spoiling yourself midweek.

Sear it golden. Swirl it thick. Serve it hot and heavy. 🍤🧄🧈🧀

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

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