Shrimp Alfredo Pasta (Creamy, Delicious, and Easy-to-Make)

This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta features large shrimp cooked to perfection are covered in a velvety sauce flavored with butter, lemon, and a touch of seasoning. The creamy and warm Homemade Alfredo Sauce thoroughly coats each strand of al dente fettuccine, resulting in a wholesome pasta dish that's a total crowd-pleaser.

The delicate sweetness of the shrimp delightfully combines with the smoothness of the alfredo sauce in this recipe, which is a true celebration of traditional Italian flavors. The fresh, tender shrimp add a dash of sophistication to the dish, taking it to the next level. I'm sure it's going to impress both your family and guests.

The combination of butter and fresh lemon juice amplifies the flavors of the shrimp giving you a sauce with the perfect tangy flavor that perfectly balances out the richness of the butter. Every bite gives a pleasing harmony of savory and zesty flavors since it is perfectly seasoned with sea salt and ground black pepper.

This shrimp alfredo pasta recipe is sure to impress everyone, whether you're making it for a special meal for two or a dinner party with friends. I'm sure you're going to absolutely love it! 

Want to learn how to make Shrimp Alfredo Pasta? Then keep on reading!

Table of Contents

• What is Shrimp Alfredo Pasta?
• What Makes This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe Special?
• What You Need to Make Shrimp Alfredo Pasta at Home
• How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Pasta (Step-by-Step)
• Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Ever
• Recipe Variation Ideas for Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
• Frequently Asked Questions for Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
• How to Store Leftover Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
• Similar Recipes You'll Love
• Recipe Card
• Shrimp Alfredo Pasta (Creamy, Delicious, and Easy-to-Make)
• Comments

What is Shrimp Alfredo Pasta?

Shrimp alfredo pasta is a delectable Italian-inspired dish made out of juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy homemade alfredo sauce. It is a well-known and traditional seafood pasta dish with a beautiful fusion of tastes and textures.

Large shrimp are usually sautéed in butter with a bit of fresh lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper to make shrimp alfredo pasta. The shrimp are cooked until they turn pink and soft, and have absorbed the tastes of the seasonings.

The sautéed shrimp are added to the pasta and alfredo sauce combination and gently stirred to distribute them throughout the dish after they are added.

The end result is an absolutely delicious blend of precisely cooked shrimp served with fettuccine pasta in an incredible homemade Alfredo sauce.

What Makes This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe Special?

Delicious taste: The unique taste blend of grated parmesan cheese, seasonings, and shrimp makes this seafood alfredo recipe truly special. It has a deep flavor profile that is sure to please any pallet!

Perfect texture: The texture of al dente fettuccine pasta covered in velvety Alfredo sauce just can't be beaten! With chunks of tender shrimp throughout, this dish is the perfect blend of textures. 

Versatile dish: Shrimp alfredo pasta is a delicious option for many occasions. From a classy dinner for two to a delectable side dish at a family gathering, serve it whenever you want!

What You Need to Make Shrimp Alfredo Pasta at Home

All you need are some simple, pantry staple ingredients to make this delicious shrimp alfredo pasta at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

• Large shrimp: First we need some fresh, tail-on shrimp for this recipe. They have a naturally sweet taste that goes great with butter and the Alfredo sauce.

• Pasta: For pasta, we'll be using fettuccine or egg noodles. They're somewhat chewy and great for absorbing the flavors of sauces. You can try penne pasta as well, but fettuccine seems to be able to bind the sauce to it better. 

• Unsalted butter: We'll need some butter to saute the shrimp in. Make sure it's unsalted butter so we can control the amount of sodium in this shrimp fettuccine alfredo. 
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice will add a bright and tangy flavor to the sauce, balancing out some of the rich flavors. It also gives the dish a delightful citrus aroma, try to use freshly squeezed juice if you can!
• Salt: We're going to use a little bit of salt for a light seasoning and to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. I like to use sea salt but you can use regular salt as well. 
• Black Pepper: Let's also grab some ground black pepper to season the pasta with. It's somewhat spicy and earthy flavor is perfect for this dish. 
• Alfredo Sauce: You can use storebought alfredo sauce for this shrimp pasta, but I highly recommend making your own. Creamy Homemade Alfredo Sauce just tastes so much better!

How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Pasta (Step-by-Step)

Making this delicious Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

Start by rinsing the shrimp and putting it in a bowl.

Add freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and let the shrimp marinate for about 15 min while you're making the Homemade Alfredo Sauce.

Make Homemade Alfredo Sauce and set it aside to cool and thicken. Boil the pasta in a large pot according to its package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, sauté the shrimp.

Add butter to a large skillet and melt it on medium heat, then add marinated shrimp to the same pan. Sauté shrimp on medium-high heat for about 2 minutes on each side until cooked through, then remove it from the heat. 

Drain and butter the pasta. Transfer to a serving platter or portion onto individual plates.

Pour slightly cooled Alfredo sauce over pasta and top with shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley (or dill) and serve.

That's it! That's how simple it is to make it. Your delicious Shrimp Alfredo is ready to be served!

Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Ever

Cook the shrimp correctly: Overcooking shrimp can result in a rubbery texture. Sauté the shrimp in butter just until they turn pink and become opaque. This will ensure they are tender and juicy.

Use reserved pasta water: Before draining the cooked pasta, save a small amount of the pasta water. This starchy water can be added to the Alfredo sauce if it needs to be thinned out or emulsified further.

Combine the shrimp and pasta just before serving: Add the cooked shrimp to the pasta and sauce mixture just before serving. Gently toss everything together to evenly distribute the shrimp throughout the pasta.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

This delicious Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up here are a few variation ideas you can try:

• Vegetables Add a variety of sautéed vegetables to the dish for added flavor and nutritional value. Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach are all great options. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the shrimp and alfredo sauce.
• Spicier: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sautéed shrimp. This will give your dish a spicy kick and add an extra layer of flavor.
• Garlic flavored: Enhance the garlic flavor by adding minced garlic to the butter when sautéing the shrimp. You can also toss in some roasted garlic cloves or use garlic-infused oil for an intensified garlic experience.
• Scallop version: Replace the shrimp with scallops for a luxurious twist. Sear the scallops in butter until they develop a golden crust on both sides, then add them to the alfredo sauce and pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions for Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp For This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating and cooking them. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Can I Use Store-bought Alfredo Sauce Instead Of Homemade?

Yes, you can use pre-made store-bought Alfredo sauce if you prefer a quicker option. However, homemade Alfredo sauce tends to have a fresher and richer flavor. If using pre-made sauce, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese or a splash of heavy cream to enhance the flavor.

What Kind Of Pasta Works Best For This Recipe?

The choice of pasta is flexible, but fettuccine is traditionally used for shrimp Alfredo. However, you can also use linguine, spaghetti, or any pasta shape of your preference. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente.

Can I Add Vegetables To The Dish?

Absolutely! If you want to incorporate some vegetables into the dish, you can sauté some thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the shrimp. Add them to the skillet after sautéing the shrimp and cook until they are tender.

Can I Make The Sauce Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time. Allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to use, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and smooth.

Can I Substitute The Shrimp With Another Protein?

Certainly! If you prefer, you can substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken, scallops, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein or vegetables you choose.

How to Store Leftover Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Let the leftover pasta cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container for storage. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a little water or chicken broth when reheating in a saucepan on medium-low heat.

Alternatively, you can microwave the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through. I don't recommend freezing this pasta dish as the consistency and texture of all the ingredients will change a lot when thawed. 

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This recipe was originally posted on February 8, 2017 (original picture below), and updated for a better user experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.