This Easy Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy, restaurant-quality dish you can prepare at home in just 30 minutes. Tender shrimp is combined with a rich Alfredo sauce infused with garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan, creating a perfect weeknight meal or an elegant dinner for two. Pair it with a side salad and garlic bread for the ultimate comfort experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40/pound size), thawed and peeled (tails optional)
- 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened and cut into smaller pieces)
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw under cool running water. Peel and remove tails if desired.
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine until al dente, following package instructions.
- Make the sauce:
- In a skillet over medium heat, combine butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and minced garlic.
- Stir continuously until the butter melts and the cream cheese blends into the sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce: Let the sauce gently bubble for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan and cook for another minute until well blended.
- Cook the shrimp: Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pink and fully cooked.
- Season and combine: Add salt and pepper to taste, then toss the drained fettuccine with the sauce and shrimp until fully coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot.
Nutrients (Per Serving):
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Enjoy your creamy, delicious Shrimp Alfredo!
Easy Shrimp Alfredo: A Delicious, Creamy Delight in Just 30 Minutes
Shrimp Alfredo is a timeless dish that seamlessly blends indulgence with simplicity, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive dish for a special dinner, this easy recipe brings restaurant-quality dining right into your kitchen. With tender shrimp bathed in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and paired with perfectly cooked fettuccine, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The Allure of Shrimp Alfredo
The appeal of Shrimp Alfredo lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender shrimp offers a subtle sweetness that complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Meanwhile, the creamy sauce—made from a luscious combination of cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic—coats each strand of fettuccine, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, yet it retains an air of elegance that elevates any dining experience.
What makes this particular recipe a standout is its simplicity. In just 30 minutes, you can create a meal that tastes like it came from a high-end Italian restaurant. The streamlined preparation means you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the dish with your loved ones.
Key Components That Make It Special
1. The Shrimp
Shrimp is a versatile protein that cooks quickly, making it ideal for weeknight meals. In this recipe, the shrimp absorbs the flavors of the garlic and Parmesan-laden sauce, creating a harmonious blend. Opting for 31-40 count shrimp ensures a hearty yet manageable size, and using peeled shrimp saves time during preparation.
2. The Alfredo Sauce
The heart of this dish is the Alfredo sauce, a creamy, velvety mixture that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Traditional Alfredo sauce relies on heavy cream and Parmesan, but the addition of cream cheese in this recipe adds a delightful tanginess and extra thickness. The sauce is further enhanced by minced garlic, which brings depth and warmth, and chicken broth, which lightens the richness while adding a subtle savory note.
3. Fettuccine Pasta
Fettuccine is the classic choice for Alfredo dishes. Its wide, flat shape allows the sauce to cling to every inch, ensuring a perfect bite every time. Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it retains a pleasant chewiness, providing a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and tender shrimp.
4. Ease and Efficiency
Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is remarkably easy to prepare. With a total cooking time of just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy schedules. The steps are straightforward, requiring no advanced culinary techniques, and the one-pan approach to cooking the sauce and shrimp minimizes cleanup.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Alfredo
- Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor, opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties. Freshly minced garlic also makes a noticeable difference in taste. - Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cooks quickly—usually in just 5-6 minutes. Overcooking can make it rubbery, so keep a close eye on it as it turns pink and opaque. - Save Pasta Water
Before draining the fettuccine, reserve a cup of pasta water. Adding a splash to the sauce can help adjust the consistency and ensure it coats the pasta evenly. - Customize to Your Taste
While this recipe is perfect as is, you can customize it to suit your preferences. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or stir in a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and color.
Pairing Suggestions
Shrimp Alfredo is a rich dish, so consider pairing it with lighter, complementary sides:
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Bread: Garlic bread or a simple baguette is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
- Wine: A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the dish’s creamy richness.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This Shrimp Alfredo recipe stands out because of its balance of simplicity, flavor, and versatility. It’s an excellent way to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are accessible, and the preparation is straightforward, yet the end result is nothing short of luxurious.
Beyond its flavor, this dish also provides a sense of accomplishment. Creating something that rivals restaurant-quality meals at home is both empowering and satisfying. It’s also a dish that can easily become a family favorite, thanks to its universal appeal.
Conclusion
Easy Shrimp Alfredo is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Its creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta come together to create a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and indulgent. The simplicity of the recipe ensures that anyone, regardless of their cooking skill level, can achieve delicious results.
Whether served for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or even a casual gathering with friends, Shrimp Alfredo is guaranteed to delight. Pair it with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete dining experience that will leave everyone craving more. Give this recipe a try, and it just might become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
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Easy Shrimp Alfredo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Easy Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy, restaurant-quality dish you can prepare at home in just 30 minutes. Tender shrimp is combined with a rich Alfredo sauce infused with garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan, creating a perfect weeknight meal or an elegant dinner for two. Pair it with a side salad and garlic bread for the ultimate comfort experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40/pound size), thawed and peeled (tails optional)
- 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened and cut into smaller pieces)
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw under cool running water. Peel and remove tails if desired.
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine until al dente, following package instructions.
- Make the sauce:
- In a skillet over medium heat, combine butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and minced garlic.
- Stir continuously until the butter melts and the cream cheese blends into the sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce: Let the sauce gently bubble for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan and cook for another minute until well blended.
- Cook the shrimp: Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pink and fully cooked.
- Season and combine: Add salt and pepper to taste, then toss the drained fettuccine with the sauce and shrimp until fully coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
