Name: Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 ounces linguine; 1/2 cup pasta water; Olive oil, for tossing the pasta (about 1 tablespoon); 1 pound thawed raw extra-large shrimp (26-30) or jumbo shrimp (21-25), peeled, deveined, and tail-off; 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for tossing pasta); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 9 tablespoons butter, divided (1 tablespoon + 8 tablespoons slices); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 16 ounces heavy cream; 8 ounces freshly shredded Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper; Fresh chopped parsley

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe. Imagine perfectly cooked linguine tossed in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce that hugs plump, juicy shrimp seasoned just right with Italian spices and a touch of paprika. Creamy, buttery, and packed with the savory flavors of Parmesan and garlic, this pasta dish is the perfect way to elevate any weeknight dinner or impress guests without stress. It brings restaurant-quality decadence right to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can master.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, ready for cooking. There is a white bowl on the right side filled with shredded pale yellow cheese with thin, soft strands. Next to it, a white bowl holds raw shrimp, pale gray with a slightly translucent texture. In the center, a bundle of uncooked yellow spaghetti lies flat, tied with a thin string in the middle. On the left, a small white bowl contains golden yellow butter cubes, and beside it, a glass jug is filled with white cream. Above those, three small white bowls hold green chopped herbs, brownish dried seasoning, and a light red powder, all with fine textures. The colors contrast well against the clean white marble background, with the items spread in a balanced, orderly way. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

You don’t need a long shopping list to create this unforgettable Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from pasta providing the comforting base to shrimp adding a satisfying bite, while the butter and cream create that signature silky sauce.

16 ounces linguine: The ideal pasta shape to soak up the rich Alfredo sauce perfectly.
1/2 cup pasta water: Adds just the right amount of moisture and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
1 tablespoon olive oil + more for tossing the pasta: Keeps everything luscious and prevents sticking.
9 tablespoons butter, divided: Gives the sauce its creamy depth and richness.
1 pound thawed raw extra-large shrimp: The star protein, tender and flavorful once seared.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings aromatic herb notes to the shrimp.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and color to the shrimp.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory base.
16 ounces heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy consistency of the sauce.
8 ounces freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that unforgettable cheesy kick.
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper: Adds just the right sharpness and balance.
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish: Brightens the dish with fresh green color and flavor.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta until al dente

Start by boiling your linguine in salted water just until it reaches the perfect al dente texture—tender but with a slight bite. This is important because the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce later, so you want it just right. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, which will help your sauce come together beautifully.

Step 2: Sear the shrimp

While the pasta cooks, pat your shrimp dry to ensure a nice sear. Toss them with olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, plus salt and pepper. This seasoning mix infuses the shrimp with layers of flavor that make every bite exciting. Cook the shrimp in a hot pan with butter for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque and slightly golden—be careful not to overcook them to keep them juicy and tender.

Step 3: Create the Alfredo sauce

Without wiping the pan, add the remaining butter and let it melt gently over low heat. Add in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, but don’t let it brown—it will give the sauce a perfect garlicky aroma. Next, whisk in the heavy cream and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly over a few minutes while stirring frequently; this ensures a smooth, decadent sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

Step 4: Finish the sauce with Parmesan and seasoning

Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the freshly shredded Parmesan until it melts smoothly into the cream. Season with salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste. This step brings that unmistakable Alfredo flavor and turns the sauce irresistibly creamy and cheesy.

Step 5: Combine pasta, shrimp, and sauce

Add your cooked pasta directly into the sauce, along with a splash or two of the reserved pasta water. This helps loosen the sauce if it feels too thick and allows it to coat the noodles evenly. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and warm everything together over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes so that all the flavors meld perfectly.

How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

A white round pan with two handles holds a single layer of cooked shrimp arranged close together. Each shrimp is orange-pink with dark seasoning specks scattered on them and the bottom of the pan, showing a lightly oily texture. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the bright colors of the shrimp. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is the ideal finishing touch for this creamy shrimp Alfredo pasta recipe. The parsley adds a pop of vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly herbal note that balances out the richness of the sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serving this dish alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread perfectly complements the creamy richness. A simple Caesar salad or roasted asparagus can add nice texture contrast and freshness to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving the shrimp Alfredo pasta in individual hollowed-out bell peppers or in shallow pasta bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few lemon zest curls on top to brighten the flavors even further. These small touches make the dish feel extra special and crowd-pleasing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so before reheating, loosen it with a little milk or cream for that fresh creamy texture.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze as well because the cream sauce might separate and turn grainy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerate for short-term storage instead.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to help revive the sauce’s original silkiness. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking or the shrimp from toughening.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and searing. This prevents excess water from steaming the shrimp and helps achieve a nice sear.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?

While pre-shredded Parmesan works in a pinch, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and enhances the sauce’s flavor immensely. It’s worth the extra effort for the best results.

Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?

You can try half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as thick or creamy. To help thicken the sauce, adding a small amount of cream cheese or flour can be helpful.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked perfectly?

Shrimp cooks very quickly and is done when it turns opaque and slightly firm to the touch. Overcooking will make it rubbery, so aim for just 1-2 minutes per side for extra-large shrimp.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap out the linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and shrimp remain the same deliciously creamy delight without gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser with its luscious sauce and perfectly seasoned shrimp. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or indulging in a comforting meal at home, it strikes the perfect balance of elegant and easy. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite of your own!