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 per pound size) shrimp, thawed and peeled, tails optional; 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and 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 and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving creamy, comforting pasta with a touch of seafood magic, you’re in for a treat with this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for guests but comes together so easily you’ll want to make it on a weeknight. I remember the first time I whipped up this recipe—my kitchen smelled like a cozy Italian bistro, and oh, that sauce! Smooth, garlicky, and luxuriously cheesy. Stick with me, and I’ll show you exactly how to nail it every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff—just a handful of staples that come together beautifully.
Creamy Sauce Base: The cream cheese and heavy cream combo gives a velvety, rich sauce that clings perfectly to pasta and shrimp.
Quick Cook Time: From start to finish, it’s about 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings or last-minute dinners.
Balanced Flavors: Garlic, parmesan, and chicken broth add layers of flavor without overpowering the delicate shrimp.

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, easy seafood pasta, quick Shrimp Alfredo, cheesy shrimp 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 in this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe plays a starring role. The shrimp adds that fresh, briny pop; cream cheese brings creaminess and body; and parmesan rounds it out with a touch of sharpness. I always try to buy peeled shrimp to save prep time and look for fresh parmesan for best flavor.

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, easy seafood pasta, quick Shrimp Alfredo, cheesy shrimp 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: Use thawed and peeled shrimp; size 31-40 per pound works perfectly to keep cooking quick and even.
Fettuccine: The classic pasta for Alfredo, fettuccine’s flat ribbons catch the sauce beautifully.
Butter: Adds richness and helps start your sauce base with that silky mouthfeel.
Cream Cheese: This is the secret to making your Alfredo ultra creamy without needing heavy cream alone.
Heavy Cream: Provides lusciousness and body to balance the tanginess of cream cheese.
Chicken Broth: Adds subtle depth and umami flavor while thinning the sauce slightly.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a punch of fragrant flavor that feels like comfort in every bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan seals the deal, melting into the sauce with a nutty, salty finish.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to highlight all the flavors without overwhelming them.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love sharing this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe as a base, but honestly, it’s so forgiving and adaptable you can take it in plenty of directions. I often bump up the garlic or toss in fresh herbs if I’m feeling fancy. Don’t be shy about making it yours!

Extra Veggies: Adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms has been a game-changer for me—adds texture and boosts nutrition.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne when cooking the sauce.
Dairy-Free Variation: For friends who can’t do dairy, try substituting the cream cheese and cream with coconut milk and a dairy-free cream cheese.
Different Pasta Shapes: While fettuccine is classic, penne or linguine work beautifully too depending on what you have in your pantry.

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

Step 1: Prep and Boil the Pasta

Start by thawing your shrimp if they’re frozen—running them under cold water in a colander does the trick fast. Meanwhile, get a pot of salted water boiling for your fettuccine. Cook the pasta al dente—remember, it’ll soak up sauce later, so avoid overcooking. Drain and set aside when done.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add softened cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Use a spoon to gently coax the cream cheese into melting; patience here is key—rushing can cause lumps. Let the sauce bubble gently for about five minutes as it thickens, stir occasionally to keep it smooth.

Step 3: Melt in the Parmesan

Once the sauce looks luscious and silky, stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese. Let it melt fully, about a minute, which makes the sauce rich, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp in the Sauce

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally to cook evenly and keep them coated with sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste—start light, you can always add more!

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Finally, toss the cooked and drained fettuccine into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water to loosen it up. Serve immediately for that fresh, creamy indulgence.

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Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Soften Cream Cheese First: If you forget to take it out, zap it in 20-30 second bursts in the microwave to avoid clumps in your sauce.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast—pink and opaque is your cue, and overcooked shrimp get rubbery, which nobody wants.
Reserve Pasta Water: A few tablespoons can help loosen the sauce without watering down flavor.
Fresh Parmesan is a Game Changer: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can affect sauce texture.

How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, easy seafood pasta, quick Shrimp Alfredo, cheesy shrimp 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 like to scatter some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens all that creamy goodness. Sometimes I’ll toss a little extra grated parmesan on for cheesier indulgence.

Side Dishes

A crisp Caesar salad or simple garlic roasted broccoli pairs beautifully. For something heartier, garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect to soak up any leftover Alfredo sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special nights, I’ve plated this with a lemon wedge on the side to squeeze over the shrimp, which adds brightness and balances richness. You could even serve it over grilled zucchini noodles for a lighter twist that’s still elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Since the sauce tends to thicken when chilled, it’s normal for it to feel a bit denser after refrigeration.

Freezing

I usually avoid freezing this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe because the cream sauce can separate, and shrimp texture may suffer. But if you must, freeze only the sauce separately without shrimp, then add fresh cooked shrimp when reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—heat in short bursts and stir to keep it creamy and avoid overheating.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Just thaw them fully before cooking—running frozen shrimp under cold water in a colander works well—and pat dry before adding to your sauce to prevent extra wateriness.
What’s the best way to prevent the Alfredo sauce from breaking?

Keep the heat medium to medium-low while melting cream cheese and stirring constantly. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously, which can cause it to separate. Using fresh ingredients like cream and parmesan also helps maintain a smooth texture.
Can I swap cream cheese for something else?

You can try mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy texture, but cream cheese provides that slight tang and stability that makes this recipe so memorable. If you omit it, you might need to adjust cream amounts and cooking time.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?

This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe works for next-day meals, but as mentioned, I’d store sauce and shrimp separately if possible, to maintain texture and flavor. Reheat gently, and you’ll have a quick, delicious dinner waiting for you.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s my go-to when I want comfort food that feels a little indulgent but isn’t complicated. The creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta come together like a little celebration on a plate. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked and making it over and over. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself—you deserve it!