Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
This 30-minute Shrimp Alfredo uses my readers’ favorite Alfredo sauce, which they rave is: “Super easy, quick,” and “phenomenal, absolutely gourmet restaurant worthy!” The luxurious Alfredo sauce is studded with juicy, seasoned shrimp for a restaurant-quality pasta dinner at home!
Ingredients
Instructions
Shrimp and Pasta
Cook Pasta: Cook fettuccine al dente in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil if not adding it to the Alfredo immediately (this prevents it from clumping).
Season Shrimp: Whisk the shrimp seasonings in a medium bowl. Pat the shrimp dry, then toss with the seasonings. Set aside for 5 minutes.
Heat Pan: Heat a large stainless-steel saucepan or a 3.5-qt braiser (large enough to toss the pasta) over medium-high heat. If using a stainless steel pan, heat for a full three minutes (prevents sticking). Then, add the oil and swirl to coat.
Sear Shrimp: Working in batches if needed, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook just until opaque, about 1 1/2 minutes per side; transfer to a plate using a slotted spatula. You can remove the tails once they're cool enough to handle, if desired.
Alfredo
Sauté Garlic: Melt the butter in the pan over medium heat. Meanwhile, whisk the milk and cornstarch in a liquid measuring cup or bowl until completely smooth, then set aside. Add the garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add Ingredients: Whisk in the heavy cream, milk/cornstarch, cream cheese, and all spices. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until melted and smooth.
Add Parmesan: Add the grated Parmesan cheese a handful at a time in 3-4 batches, whisking between each addition until smooth.
Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens and the Parmesan is completely melted. Keep in mind it will continue to thicken once it cools slightly and when you add the pasta.
Add Pasta and Shrimp: Add the fettuccine and toss to combine (if you're not serving immediately, hold off on adding the pasta). If at any time the Alfredo sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Either top the pasta with the shrimp or toss the shrimp with the pasta.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and additional grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Season with freshly cracked salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
