Shrimp Alfredo Pasta With Garlic Cream Sauce

Name: Shrimp Alfredo Pasta With Garlic Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces fettuccine pasta; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Simple Homestyle Cooking

I absolutely love this Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce! It's creamy, savory, and satisfying, making it the perfect meal for a cozy night in or an impressive dish for guests. The rich flavors of the sauce combined with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta create a delightful balance. It’s surprisingly simple to make and comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a go-to recipe when I want something delicious without spending all evening in the kitchen.

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2026-02-23T22:49:36.351Z

When I first tried making Alfredo sauce from scratch, I was amazed at how much better it tasted than the store-bought versions. I experimented with different ingredients until I settled on a creamy concoction that perfectly complements shrimp. Adding garlic provides a fragrant twist that elevates the entire dish. Each time I make it, the sauce seems to cling to the pasta just right, ensuring each bite is creamy and flavorful.

You can't go wrong with this recipe for a date night or special occasion. The noodles are cooked al dente, providing texture that balances well with the rich sauce. I recommend using fresh shrimp for a more vibrant taste and quicker cooking time. Pair it with a light salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy garlic flavor that elevates the dish
Juicy shrimp that is succulent and perfectly cooked
A quick and easy recipe that's perfect for any occasion

Choosing the Right Shrimp

Opt for large or extra-large shrimp for this recipe, as their size ensures that they won't overcook and turn tough. When selecting shrimp, fresh or frozen is fine; just make sure they are peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the fridge overnight or under cold running water for about 15 minutes. This helps maintain their texture and ensures they cook evenly in the pasta dish.

For an extra flavor kick, consider marinating the shrimp for 20-30 minutes before cooking. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt works perfectly, enhancing the shrimp's natural sweetness. However, be cautious not to marinate them for too long, as this can lead to a mushy texture. Always drain excess marinade before sautéing.

Another great substitute is to use shrimp alternatives like scallops or even plant-based shrimp options for those avoiding seafood. Both can provide a similar texture while absorbing the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

Perfecting the Sauce

The key to a perfect garlic cream sauce lies in balancing the flavors. Keep the heat moderate when sautéing the garlic; too high, and it can quickly turn bitter. You're looking for a fragrant, light golden color when sautéing. Softening your garlic for about 30 seconds is enough to infuse the oil without burning it.

As you add heavy cream to the sautéed garlic, ensure that it comes to a gentle simmer. This will allow the cream to thicken without the risk of curdling. Stir frequently and gradually incorporate the Parmesan cheese, which acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce its signature creaminess. If it looks too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water can help adjust the consistency without losing flavor.

For a flavor twist, don’t shy away from adding spices or herbs like nutmeg or oregano, which can complement the creaminess and give an extra gourmet touch. Experimenting with these additions can personalize the dish to your liking.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serve your Shrimp Alfredo Pasta immediately after combining the ingredients for optimal texture and flavor. The sauce is best enjoyed fresh, as it can thicken upon standing. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, consider undercooking the pasta slightly and storing the sauce separately. Reheat the sauce over low heat while adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore its creamy consistency.

Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a little olive oil or cream to prevent it from drying out and ensure that the pasta returns to its luscious state. You can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

For a fun serving idea, transform this dish into a baked pasta casserole. Combine the pasta and sauce in a baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden on top. This makes for a delightful twist and is great for dinner parties or meal prep.

Ingredients for Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients

8 ounces fettuccine pasta
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Steps to Make Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Cook the pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the garlic cream sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

Combine pasta and shrimp

Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Alfredo Pasta!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering. Also, be sure not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough. Fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese yields the best flavor for the sauce.

Ingredient Highlights

Fettuccine pasta is the classic choice for Alfredo dishes, its flat shape perfectly capturing the creamy sauce. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider swapping in whole wheat or gluten-free fettuccine, which can provide a slightly nutty flavor while maintaining a pleasant texture.

Parmesan cheese is essential in giving the sauce its rich and savory profile. Opt for freshly grated cheese rather than pre-grated, as it melts more readily and yields a velvety sauce. You can also mix in Pecorino Romano for a tangy twist or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.

Heavy cream creates the base for that luscious Alfredo sauce, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of cream and chicken broth to lighten the dish slightly. If you're aiming for a healthier version, silken tofu blended with a little vegetable broth can mimic the creaminess well.

Cooking Techniques

Timing is crucial in this recipe. Begin cooking the fettuccine just as you start sautéing the shrimp so both will be ready around the same time. This not only saves cooking time but ensures everything is hot and ready to serve together, keeping the textures perfect.

When sautéing shrimp, allow them to cook undisturbed for the first couple of minutes to develop a nice sear. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a vibrant pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so removing them from the skillet as soon as they are cooked is vital.

Using a large skillet helps maximize the surface area for cooking shrimp and evenly distributing the sauce over the pasta. A stainless steel or cast iron skillet has the added benefit of achieving a nice sear on the shrimp, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with any pasta of your choice such as penne or spaghetti.

→ Is it possible to make this dish without cream?

For a lighter version, you could substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, although the sauce may be less rich.

→ How can I make this recipe spicy?

You can add red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing to give the dish a spicy kick.

→ What can I serve with Shrimp Alfredo Pasta?

A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish.