Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

This Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is a creamy and rich recipe, which is made with heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 25 minutes.

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Shrimp Alfredo Recipe Ingredients Recipe

For the Shrimp

• 12 oz peeled & deveined shrimp
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp chopped garlic

For the Pasta

• 12 oz fettuccine

For the Alfredo Sauce

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 oz butter (half a stick)
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional but yes please)

How To Make Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
2. Season and Prep Shrimp: While the pasta water is heating, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season them on both sides with the salt and black pepper.
3. Cook the Shrimp: In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, melt the 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and just opaque. Do not overcook. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate.
4. Start the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the 4 oz of butter and let it melt. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (do not let it rapidly boil).
5. Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the garlic powder. Continue to whisk gently until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Let it simmer on low for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Combine and Serve: Add the drained fettuccine directly into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Add the cooked shrimp and any juices from the plate. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Tips

• How do I get the smoothest sauce? You must use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded bag cheese contains anti-caking agents and will not melt smoothly, resulting in a grainy sauce. Grate it yourself from a block.
• How to prevent rubbery shrimp? Shrimp cook in just a few minutes. The second they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat. They will finish cooking when you add them back to the hot sauce at the end.
• My sauce is too thick (or too thin)? If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved starchy pasta water. Add it one tablespoon at a time until the sauce is perfect. If it’s too thin, let it simmer on low for an extra minute or two; it will thicken as it stands.
• Why did my sauce “break” or look oily? This happens if the heat is too high when you add the cheese. Always add cheese on low heat and whisk gently until it’s just melted. Never let an Alfredo sauce come to a rolling boil after the cheese is added.

What To Serve With Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

This is a very rich and decadent pasta, so it pairs best with simple, light sides to cut through the richness.

• Steamed Asparagus with Lemon
• Roasted Broccoli
• A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
• Crusty Garlic Bread (for soaking up the extra sauce)

How To Store Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that cream-based sauces do not reheat perfectly. Reheat: The best way to reheat Alfredo is gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream and whisk constantly until it is just warmed through. Microwaving will often cause the sauce to separate and become oily. Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for Alfredo sauce, as the high-fat dairy will “break” and separate completely when thawed.

Shrimp Alfredo Recipe Nutrition Facts Recipe

(Per serving, assuming 4 servings)

• Calories: 950 kcal
• Total Fat: 70g
• Saturated Fat: 44g
• Cholesterol: 310mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 48g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 32g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

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