Name: Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound uncooked (31-40/pound size) shrimp thawed & peeled, tails optional; 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block) 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· 4.7 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a rich, creamy dinner that’ll impress without hours in the kitchen, you’re in the right place. This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe is my go-to for those nights when I want comfort food that feels special but comes together easily. The sauce is silky and indulgent, the shrimp cooked just right, and the whole dish done in about 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your rotation.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh shrimp for great flavor without fuss.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights or last-minute guests.
Creamy Comfort: The combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan creates that irresistibly smooth Alfredo sauce.
Flexible & Delicious: Easily customizable with your favorite herbs or pasta shapes without losing the magic.

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, Shrimp Alfredo, Creamy Shrimp Pasta, Easy Shrimp Pasta Recipe, Quick Alfredo Pasta - 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

Each ingredient here plays its part beautifully, giving you a sauce that’s creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced. When selecting shrimp, pick the freshest you can find for the best taste and texture. And remember, peeling and deveining make a huge difference.

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, Shrimp Alfredo, Creamy Shrimp Pasta, Easy Shrimp Pasta Recipe, Quick Alfredo Pasta - 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

Shrimp: I recommend medium-large size (31-40 count per pound) for that perfect bite — thawed and peeled, tails optional depending on how fancy you want to get.
Fettuccine: Classic and sturdy enough to hold that luscious sauce without getting mushy.
Butter: Adds richness and helps meld the flavors together.
Cream Cheese: Provides a velvety thickness and tang that sets this sauce apart from your typical Alfredo.
Heavy Cream: Boosts the creaminess and helps the sauce coat your pasta beautifully.
Chicken Broth: Adds subtle depth without overpowering the sauce’s creamy profile.
Garlic: Freshly minced to infuse the sauce with that classic punch of flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors just right.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love to keep things classic but you can absolutely tweak this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe to match your cravings or dietary needs. I sometimes swap fettuccine for penne to hold onto more sauce, or toss in fresh herbs to brighten things up.

Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes transforms this into a subtly spicy dinner, which is my personal favorite on cozy nights.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies for a hearty meatless option that everyone loves.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta—just watch the cooking times to stay al dente.
Extra Garlic: If you’re a garlic fan, increase the cloves for a bolder sauce—just be ready for compliments.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First, if your shrimp are frozen, just pop them into a colander under cool running water until thawed—that’s the quickest way I’ve found without waiting all day. Peel and devein if needed. Chop your garlic and soften the cream cheese by either letting it sit at room temp or microwaving in short bursts.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil for your fettuccine. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—a firm bite really makes the dish shine. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water just in case the sauce needs thinning later.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and garlic. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to help the cream cheese melt into the sauce—it takes a couple of minutes but keep at it. Let the sauce bubble gently for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then so it thickens slightly without sticking.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Shrimp

Once the sauce looks smooth and creamy, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan. Cook it for another minute so everything melds together perfectly. Then add your shrimp to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them—they go from perfect to rubbery fast!

Step 5: Combine & Season

Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss in your cooked pasta, mixing gently until every bit is coated in that dreamy sauce. If it feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately for the best experience.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Softening the Cream Cheese: If you forget to soften it ahead of time, microwaving in 20-second intervals works wonders without melting it entirely.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast—watch for when they turn pink and curl just a bit, then remove from heat.
Reserve Pasta Water: It’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling to pasta.
Freshly Grate Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and will affect the sauce texture noticeably.

How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, Shrimp Alfredo, Creamy Shrimp Pasta, Easy Shrimp Pasta Recipe, Quick Alfredo Pasta - 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’m a fan of a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes I add a little extra grated Parmesan or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten things up — it cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For something special, serve this dish in individual shallow bowls and top with a grilled lemon half for squeezing. I’ve also plated it with a drizzle of pesto or a few sun-dried tomatoes on top to add color and a flavor twist during holidays or date nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce thickens up when chilled, so before reheating, I add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it back to that silky texture.

Freezing

Freezing creamy pasta dishes can be tricky, but if you want to, freeze the shrimp and pasta separately from the sauce. This way, you preserve textures better. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add cream or broth little by little to recreate that fresh-from-the-pan texture. Avoid microwaving straight from freezer for best results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully under cool running water before cooking. This prevents rubbery texture and uneven cooking.
What pasta types work best with this recipe?

Fettuccine is traditional because its flat shape holds the creamy sauce well, but linguine, penne, or even tagliatelle work just fine. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I prevent the Alfredo sauce from breaking?

Cook the sauce gently over medium heat and stir often. Avoid boiling it aggressively, which can cause it to separate. Incorporating cream cheese helps stabilize the sauce, making it more forgiving.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For dairy-free versions, try swapping cream cheese and heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The texture and flavor will change but can still be delicious!
How long does Shrimp Alfredo Pasta last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it keeps well for up to 3 days. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before eating.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe has been a kitchen hero for me when I want something comforting but can’t spend a ton of time cooking. Its creamy, garlicky sauce with tender shrimp feels like a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle or expense. I’m excited for you to give it a try—once you do, I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again on busy evenings or special dinners at home.