Let’s talk about comfort food, shall we? There’s something about a big bowl of creamy pasta that just hits the spot. And when you add tender shrimp swimming in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce? Oh, that’s when you know you’ve found a winner. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds sing and your kitchen feel like a five-star Italian restaurant (without the five-star effort).

Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this dish is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be hooked.

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Table of Contents

Key Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo

This recipe is all about balance—the creamy sauce, the delicate shrimp, and the hearty pasta. Here’s a breakdown of the key players:

Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): The star of the dish! Sweet, succulent shrimp add the perfect protein boost and soak up all that creamy goodness.
Pasta (1 lb, fettuccine, linguine, or penne): Your base for all that rich sauce. Fettuccine is the traditional choice, but use whatever you love.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): A generous helping of garlic gives the sauce that deep, aromatic flavor we crave in an Alfredo.
Butter (1/2 cup): The foundation of your creamy sauce. Butter makes everything better, trust me.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The key to creating that ultra-rich, velvety texture that coats the pasta and shrimp just perfectly.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds a salty, nutty richness that helps elevate the sauce.
Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): A pop of color and a bit of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For that little spicy kick, if you’re in the mood.
Olive oil and salt & pepper: The seasoning essentials to tie everything together.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo in a white bowl, with succulent shrimp nestled in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo

Let’s dive into how this dish comes to life. Don’t worry, it’s super easy.

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling your pasta. Follow the package instructions, making sure to cook it al dente. Once it’s ready, drain and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Don’t overdo it, or they’ll become rubbery. Once done, remove the shrimp and set aside.
Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a little heat, throw in the red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing everything together until it’s all coated in that luscious Alfredo sauce.
Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired. Then dig in and enjoy!

Variations

Want to switch things up a bit? You can easily make this dish your own with a few tweaks:

Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli for a little extra color and nutrition.
Spicy Version: Increase the red pepper flakes to kick up the heat. If you like it spicy, go for it!
Swap Proteins: If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can swap it for scallops, chicken, or even a plant-based protein like tofu for a different twist.
Rich and Decadent: For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly thicker and even creamier consistency.

Pairings

This creamy garlic shrimp Alfredo pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks. Try serving it with:

Garlic bread for that extra dose of carbs and flavor. A great way to scoop up that creamy sauce!
Simple salad: A fresh Caesar or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the pasta.
Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect. For something a little bolder, a Chardonnay works wonders with this creamy dish.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this dish on its own as a hearty meal, or add a side of roasted vegetables or crispy bread. It’s perfect for family dinners or date night—this recipe is sure to impress!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✖ Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery. Stick to 2-3 minutes per side and you’ll be golden.
✖ Skipping the pasta water: Some pasta water can be added to the sauce to help thin it out and make it cling to the pasta better. Don’t forget this simple step!
✖ Using low-fat substitutes: I know, we all love to cut back on calories, but trust me, heavy cream and butter are what make this sauce rich and delicious. Opting for lower-fat versions will result in a thinner, less creamy sauce.
✖ Not seasoning enough: Garlic, salt, and pepper are key. Don’t skimp on them, or your sauce will be bland.

Tips and Tricks

✔ Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic really brings out the best flavor. Skip the pre-minced stuff and go for the real deal.
✔ Reserve some pasta water: When you drain the pasta, save a cup of the cooking water. You can add it to the sauce if it gets too thick, and it’ll help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
✔ Keep the shrimp warm: Once the shrimp are cooked, set them aside on a plate and cover with foil. That way, they’ll stay nice and hot while you finish the sauce.
✔ Grate your own cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a more intense flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.

Final Thoughts on Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is deceptively simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or for a special someone, this dish is a surefire way to impress. Plus, the leftovers (if you have any!) are just as good the next day.

If you’re craving more comforting pasta recipes, why not try this Homemade Mac & Cheese recipe? It’s an easy weeknight dinner the kids will love!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo

Bellina Groschen

A quick and easy creamy garlic shrimp Alfredo that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp coated in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce, served over your favorite pasta.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian, American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
1 pound pasta fettuccine, linguine, or penne
4 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked shrimp and pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.

Notes

For a richer sauce, use half and half instead of heavy cream.
You can also add other vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the dish.
For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes.
You can also use other types of seafood like scallops or chicken.
Be sure not to overcook the shrimp, or they will become rubbery.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 650
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Cholesterol: 250mg
Sodium: 900mg
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 35g

The nutritional information provided for this recipe is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Keyword shrimp alfredo, creamy pasta, garlic shrimp, weeknight dinner, easy recipe

🛒 Recommended Kitchen Tools

To make your cooking experience as smooth as possible, here are a few kitchen tools I recommend:

Skillet: A large skillet is key for making that creamy sauce and cooking the shrimp.
Pot for boiling pasta: Make sure it’s big enough to fit all your pasta!
Tongs or pasta spoon: These help toss everything together without making a mess.
Grater: For that freshly grated Parmesan that really makes a difference.

FAQ’s About Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo

Can I make this ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the shrimp and sauce separately and then reheat them together when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze this dish?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing the sauce because it could separate when reheated. However, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and pasta separately and then combine them later.