Name: Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3/4 lb fettuccine or penne pasta; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; S&P to taste; Sprinkle of paprika; 1 Tbsp oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/3 cup white wine (e.g., Ste Chapelle Chardonnay); 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Salt and pepper to taste; About 1/4 tsp paprika; Parsley or basil, chopped (optional); Extra Parmesan cheese (optional); Freshly cracked pepper (optional)

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, indulgent dinner that feels like a warm hug, this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how creamy and rich the sauce gets, and those tender, perfectly cooked shrimp really take it over the top. When I first tried making this at home, I was amazed at how straightforward it was—ready in under 30 minutes yet tastes like something straight from a fancy restaurant. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my tips to help you nail it every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes without any complicated steps.
Comfort Food at its Best: The velvety Alfredo sauce and tender shrimp combine for a decadent, satisfying meal.
Impress Anyone: Whether it’s a weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe looks and tastes like restaurant quality.
Highly Customizable: You can easily swap pasta types, add veggies, or adjust seasoning to make it your own.

A white plate with small round patterns holds a creamy pasta dish with about three layers: the bottom layer is white fettuccine noodles, the middle layer has light orange shrimp with a smooth creamy sauce covering both, and the top layer is garnished with bright green parsley leaves scattered around. A silver fork and spoon rest on the plate's edge. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, shrimp alfredo, creamy pasta with shrimp, easy shrimp pasta, quick dinner recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe really shine together—the shrimp brings a lovely sweetness, while the creamy sauce lets the Parmesan sing. You’ll want to pick a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like fettuccine or penne, and grabbing fresh shrimp makes all the difference for taste and texture.

Flat lay of peeled and deveined shrimp with a pink and white hue, a small mound of uncooked fettuccine pasta strands, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding two tablespoons of creamy unsalted butter, a whole small white onion, a single peeled garlic clove, a small white ceramic bowl containing pale yellow white wine, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth heavy whipping cream, a small white ceramic bowl with finely grated parmesan cheese, a small pile of fresh bright green parsley leaves, a small white ceramic bowl holding a sprinkle of paprika powder, and two whole uncracked brown eggs arranged symmetrically in a balanced layout, 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 Alfredo Pasta, shrimp alfredo, creamy pasta with shrimp, easy shrimp pasta, quick dinner recipes

Fettuccine or penne pasta: I love fettuccine here because it twirls beautifully, but penne traps sauce in its tubes—both are winners.
Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp are a must; fresh or thawed frozen both work well.
Oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola to sear the shrimp without overpowering flavors.
Small onion: Finely chopped so it integrates smoothly and adds subtle sweetness.
Unsalted butter: It gives that rich, creamy base to the sauce without the extra salt you don’t need.
Garlic clove: Just one is enough to give a fragrant depth without turning the sauce pungent.
White wine: A dry white like Chardonnay adds acidity and complexity; I used an affordable bottle and it worked perfectly.
Heavy whipping cream: The magic ingredient making the sauce rich, smooth, and luxurious.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated if possible—for that nutty, salty finish.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning, taste as you go!
Paprika: Just a sprinkle adds subtle smoky warmth and a beautiful color pop.
Parsley or basil: I like some fresh herbs to brighten the dish right before serving.

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.

Variations

I love making this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe my own by swapping a few things or adding extras depending on my mood. Feel free to play around—the recipe is forgiving and versatile!

Vegetable Boost: I sometimes add sautéed mushrooms or spinach; they soak up the sauce and add extra texture and color.
Spicy Kick: Adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne really wakes up the creamy sauce without overwhelming it.
Low Carb Version: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a lighter option that still tastes indulgent.
Different Protein: If shrimp isn’t your thing, chicken breast or scallops work beautifully with Alfredo too.

How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Just Right

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 3/4 lb of your chosen pasta according to package directions—about 8-10 minutes for al dente. One trick I always use: don’t rinse the pasta after draining. Leaving the starches intact helps the Alfredo sauce cling beautifully, giving you that perfect, creamy coating instead of slippage.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp

Pat your peeled and deveined shrimp dry then season lightly with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until just shimmering. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer—you don’t want crowding here!—and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn golden pink and opaque white inside. The moment you see them cooked through, remove them to a bowl; overcooked shrimp get rubbery fast, so keep an eye on them.

Step 3: Build Your Creamy Sauce

In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden and sweet, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Pour in 1/3 cup of white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom; it adds so much flavor. Let the wine reduce to about a quarter of its volume before moving on—this concentrates the taste and softens the acidity.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat slightly and pour in 2 cups of heavy whipping cream. Let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes to thicken. Then sprinkle in 1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring just until the sauce becomes silky smooth and creamy. This step is critical: keep the heat low and don’t let the sauce boil—otherwise, the cheese can separate, and you’ll lose that beautiful creaminess. Season with salt, pepper, and about 1/4 teaspoon paprika for a hint of color and warmth.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the shrimp to the pan, followed by the drained pasta. Gently toss everything together so the shrimp and noodles are luxuriously coated in the Alfredo sauce. I usually garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and an extra dusting of Parmesan. A little cracked pepper on top seals the deal perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking shrimp in a single layer helps them sear nicely without steaming, giving you better texture and flavor.
Keep Cheese Fresh: Using freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and avoids clumping—pre-grated bags won’t give you the same result.
Wine for Depth: Even a small splash of white wine brightens the sauce; don’t skip this step unless you want a milder flavor.
Low & Slow with Cream: Simmering cream gently prevents sauce breakage and maintains that velvety texture we all crave.

How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with creamy pasta that has a smooth, light beige sauce. On top of and mixed in the pasta are several pinkish-orange shrimp, slightly curved and cooked, with a light shine from the sauce. Small vibrant green parsley leaves dot the dish, adding color contrast. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate, placed on a white marbled surface in the background. The overall look is fresh and appetizing, with a soft and creamy texture visible on the pasta strands. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, shrimp alfredo, creamy pasta with shrimp, easy shrimp pasta, quick dinner recipes

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil right on top; these herbs cut through the richness and add fresh color. A little extra grated Parmesan and some cracked black pepper never hurt either. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the whole dish hugely—worth trying!

Side Dishes

Simple sides work best here—like a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted asparagus. Garlic bread is a no-brainer too, because, well, what doesn’t pair nicely with creamy pasta? For a heartier meal, steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans add nice texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, try plating the pasta twirled in a neat nest on each plate, topped with the shrimp artistically arranged on top. Adding a small edible flower or microgreens can really elevate the look. I’ve also served this dish family-style in a big, shallow bowl so everyone can dig in and feel cozy together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Shrimp Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so you’ll want to loosen it up a bit with a splash of milk or cream when reheating. Just don’t leave it out too long before storing to keep shrimp safe and tasting fresh.

Freezing

Freezing shrimp Alfredo pasta isn’t my favorite because the cream sauce can separate and the shrimp texture might suffer. If you do freeze it, flash freeze first on a tray before transferring to a bag, and thaw gently in the fridge overnight to help preserve qualities as much as possible.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently with a splash of cream, milk, or broth to restore creaminess. Microwaving works but can dry out shrimp, so try to keep it low and slow for best results. Watching closely will help you avoid overcooking the shrimp again.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to prevent extra moisture in the pan. This helps the shrimp sear properly and keeps the sauce from getting watery.
What pasta is best for Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

Fettuccine is classic because its wide, flat shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, but penne or even linguine are great options too. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand!
Can I make the Alfredo sauce without white wine?

You can skip the wine if you prefer; just use a little more butter or a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pan. The sauce will be less complex but still deliciously creamy.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Keep the heat low once you add the cream and cheese, and avoid boiling. Gentle simmering lets the cheese melt smoothly into the cream without curdling or breaking the sauce.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and shrimp in advance and store them separately in the fridge for a day or two. Reheat gently with the sauce freshly made to keep everything tasting fresh and creamy.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it’s fast, comforting, and feels a little fancy without the fuss. It’s the kind of dish I make when I want to treat myself or impress friends with minimal effort. I promise when you try it, you’ll find it’s just as addicting as I do—creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and that perfect pasta bite. Go ahead, give it a whirl this week, and watch it quickly become one of your favorite easy meals!