Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Alfredo is a comforting and indulgent pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. With tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce, this meal feels fancy without the fuss. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp – peeled, deveined, tails off (medium or large)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp butter (for sauce)
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook shrimp about 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, avoiding a boil.
5. Step 5: Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
6. Step 6: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat. Gently stir the shrimp back into the pan and warm through for about a minute.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Don’t overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture; they cook very quickly.
• Simmer the cream gently—boiling can cause the sauce to separate.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce; pre-shredded often contains fillers that prevent proper melting.
• The reserved pasta water is great for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling to the noodles.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan butter, use oat or cashew cream, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
• Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
• Gluten-free pasta works perfectly as a substitute if needed.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Alfredo sauce tends to separate when reheated, so warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess. Shrimp is best eaten fresh, as it can become rubbery upon reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp first by running them under cold water for a few minutes before cooking.

Is this dish very rich?

Yes, it is rich and indulgent—that’s part of its charm! It makes for a satisfying, comforting meal.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare it in advance, but keep in mind that Alfredo sauce doesn’t reheat well in the microwave. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water for best results.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can use milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less creamy, more like a garlic butter sauce than a traditional Alfredo. Adding a bit of cream cheese can help thicken it.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc balances the richness of the sauce beautifully, making it an excellent pairing.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 70 reviews

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Alfredo is an indulgent, flavorful pasta dish combining succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter with a rich, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine, this meal is the ultimate comfort food that’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. With fresh Parmesan and optional parsley garnish, it’s a decadent seafood twist on a classic Italian favorite.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp

• 1 lb shrimp – peeled, deveined, tails off (medium or large)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Alfredo Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Pasta & Garnish

• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside to avoid overcooking.
3. Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour in the heavy cream and gently simmer for 3-4 minutes. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
4. Add the Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
5. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the drained pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat well. Return the shrimp to the skillet, gently mixing everything together. Let it warm through for about a minute.
6. Serve: Plate the pasta and shrimp, garnishing with chopped parsley if desired. Optionally, finish with freshly cracked black pepper for extra flair. Enjoy immediately for best results.

Notes

• Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; cook just until pink and opaque.
• Simmer cream gently to prevent the sauce from splitting or curdling.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce rather than pre-shredded varieties.
• Reserve some pasta water to help loosen and bind the sauce.
• Best served fresh as Alfredo sauce does not reheat well in the microwave; if reheating, do so gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water.
• Substitute shrimp with mushrooms, chicken strips, or broccoli for variations.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed to make the dish gluten-free friendly.
• For dairy-free versions, use vegan butter, plant-based cream alternatives, and nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.

Keywords: Shrimp Alfredo, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Creamy Pasta, Italian Dinner, Fettuccine Alfredo, Easy Shrimp Recipe