If you are on the hunt for a dish that combines silky, creamy richness with tender, flavorful shrimp, look no further than this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe. This dish feels like a warm hug from the inside out, pairing perfectly al dente fettuccine with the luscious, garlicky Alfredo sauce that clings lovingly to every bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next dinner party, this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity, making it an all-time favorite in my kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows raw ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, ready for cooking. There is one white bowl filled with peeled, raw shrimp that are light grayish-white in color and slightly curled. Next to it, a small clear glass holds uncooked yellow spaghetti strands standing upright. A white pitcher with a black rim is filled with creamy white liquid. Below the shrimp bowl are two small white dishes, one containing a single raw egg yolk bright yellow and smooth, and the other with a small cube of pale yellow butter. A larger white bowl is full of finely grated cheese that is pale yellow and fluffy. To the right of these bowls, a tiny white ramekin holds minced garlic with a light tan color. Nearby, a bunch of fresh green parsley with wide leaves is placed, adding color contrast. Two salt and pepper shakers with white bases and silver tops sit side by side near the ingredients. The whole scene is bright and clean, with all components visible against the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients, this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe comes together beautifully. Each one plays a vital role — from the tender shrimp to the creamy butter and Parmesan that create that iconic sauce texture and flavor.

1 pound fettuccine pasta: The classic base that holds all the sauce and shrimp perfectly.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Adds rich creaminess and helps build flavor in the sauce and shrimp.
1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed and patted dry): Fresh shrimp bring a sweet, succulent touch that makes this dish special.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and character.
2 cups heavy cream: The heart of the Alfredo sauce, creating that luxurious, velvety texture.
½ cup hot spaghetti water: Helps to loosen the sauce and binds it perfectly to the noodles.
1 egg yolk: Gives the sauce a richer texture and a lovely golden hue.
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty flavor that makes Alfredo sauce so irresistible.
1 tablespoon parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright pop of color and flavor to finish the dish.

How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fettuccine according to the package instructions, but stop one minute earlier than recommended. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy later in the sauce, since it will continue to cook as it absorbs all that creamy goodness.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and cracked black pepper, then add them to the pan in a single layer. Cook each side for about 2 minutes, until the shrimp turns that beautiful pink color and is just cooked through. Remove them from the pan to avoid overcooking, which can make shrimp rubbery.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and add the minced garlic, cooking gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream slowly, keeping the heat low to prevent it from boiling or curdling. This slow and steady method is the secret to that silky texture.

Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolk

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk together with ½ cup of the hot spaghetti water. This gentle temperature transition keeps the egg from scrambling when you add it to the sauce later.

Step 5: Finish the Alfredo Sauce

Stir the Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture until it melts smoothly. Then, off the heat, slowly whisk in the egg yolk mixture to thicken the sauce even more, being careful not to let it curdle. Turn the stovetop to low to keep everything warm and silky.

Step 6: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

Drain your pasta and immediately toss it into the sauce so every strand is coated perfectly. Fold in the tender shrimp, letting them soak up the flavors for a moment. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a refreshing element that brightens this rich dish.

How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

A gray non-stick frying pan filled with two even layers of small cooked shrimp, light pink with some hints of orange, evenly spaced across the pan's surface, sitting on a white marbled texture background. Around the pan, there is a white bowl with a raw egg yolk in the center bottom left, a white bowl with shredded cheese on the top left, a white pitcher of cream on the top right, fresh green parsley leaves at the bottom left, and two small white salt and pepper shakers near the bottom center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The simplicity of this dish means garnishes make a big impact. Fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely color contrast and a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or an extra dusting of Parmesan can also elevate the presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Shrimp Alfredo Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli that add a satisfying textural contrast. A loaf of crusty garlic bread is also a perfect companion to mop up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve your Shrimp Alfredo in individual rustic bowls or swirl it elegantly on a large white platter with a sprig of parsley on top. You can even layer the shrimp and sauce over a bed of spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb twist that is just as delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve made more Shrimp Alfredo Recipe than you can eat in one sitting, no worries! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta will absorb some sauce, so it’s best enjoyed soon after making.

Freezing

Because Alfredo sauce can separate after freezing, I generally don’t recommend freezing this dish. However, if needed, freeze the sauce and shrimp separately from the pasta to maintain texture, and thaw completely before reheating gently.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Stir constantly to prevent sticking or curdling, ensuring every bite is as luscious as the first.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Alfredo Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor. Removing excess moisture prevents the shrimp from steaming instead of sautéing.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk with a bit of cornstarch to thicken, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich. Also, using whole wheat or vegetable-based pasta can lighten up the carb load.

Can I use other types of pasta instead of fettuccine?

Of course! While fettuccine is traditional, wide noodles like pappardelle or even penne hold the sauce well and work beautifully with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What if I want to add vegetables?

Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions and add flavor complexity. Add them after cooking the shrimp so they integrate seamlessly into the sauce.

Can I prepare this shrimp Alfredo sauce ahead of time?

Because this sauce is delicate, it’s best made fresh. That said, you can prep the ingredients in advance and quickly assemble the sauce when ready to serve for maximum freshness and taste.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and elegance together in one beautiful dish. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests without stress. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your new go-to meal for cozy nights or special occasions. Happy cooking!