Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta – A Comforting Classic Done Right
There’s something truly special about a big bowl of Shrimp Alfredo Pasta — rich, creamy, and absolutely satisfying. This homemade version is a restaurant-quality dish made right in your kitchen with simple ingredients. Juicy shrimp, tender fettuccine, and a luscious cream cheese Alfredo sauce come together in just 30 minutes for the ultimate comfort meal!
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Rich and creamy – A perfectly balanced sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Restaurant quality – But made with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Family favorite – Everyone will ask for seconds!
- Customizable – Works with chicken, scallops, or even vegetables.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
- 1 pound shrimp (31–40 count size), thawed & peeled, tails optional
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese (about half a block), softened and cut into small pieces
- ¾ cup heavy or whipping cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1. Prep the Ingredients
Take the cream cheese out of the fridge so it can soften. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving tails on if preferred for presentation.
Step 2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Stir as the butter melts and the cream cheese begins to dissolve into the sauce. This will take about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4. Simmer & Thicken
Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, let the sauce gently bubble for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
Step 5. Add Parmesan
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 1 minute until smooth and creamy.
Step 6. Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp directly to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and are cooked through.
Step 7. Combine & Serve
Toss the cooked fettuccine with the Alfredo shrimp mixture until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing not recommended: Cream-based sauces tend to separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use cooked shrimp?
Yes! If using pre-cooked shrimp, add them only at the end and heat through for 1–2 minutes.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone or an extra splash of heavy cream, but cream cheese gives the sauce its signature richness.
What pasta works best?
Fettuccine is classic, but linguine, penne, or spaghetti all work great.
How can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.
Conclusion
This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a weeknight winner that feels like fine dining. It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying — perfect for date nights, cozy dinners, or whenever you need a little indulgence. Once you try it, you’ll never reach for jarred Alfredo sauce again!
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 4 servings | Course: Main Dish | Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter with cream cheese, cream, broth, and garlic over medium heat.
- Simmer 5 minutes, then stir in Parmesan until smooth.
- Add shrimp and cook 5–6 minutes until pink and cooked through.
- Toss with pasta, season to taste, and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Grate Parmesan fresh from the block — it melts smoother and gives a richer flavor.