If you’re craving a dish that’s both indulgently rich and wonderfully comforting, you’re going to love this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how the tender shrimp swim in a luscious, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is surprisingly simple and incredibly satisfying. Stick with me—I’ll guide you through every step so your Alfredo comes out restaurant-quality right in your own kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Elegance: You’ll be amazed how quickly this creamy shrimp Alfredo pasta comes together—perfect for busy nights.
Rich and Comforting: The silky sauce paired with juicy shrimp makes it a crowd-pleaser every single time.
Easy Ingredient List: Simple staples that you probably already have, plus a splash of white wine to elevate the flavor.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish, and I’m betting yours will too!

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 - Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, Shrimp Alfredo Pasta recipe, Easy Shrimp Alfredo, Creamy seafood pasta, Restaurant-quality Shrimp Alfredo

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this recipe work so harmoniously—the shrimp add a light sweetness, while the creamy sauce brings that signature Alfredo decadence. When shopping, make sure to grab good-quality shrimp for the best taste, and don’t skip the Parmesan; it really builds that authentic flavor you want.

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 - Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, Shrimp Alfredo Pasta recipe, Easy Shrimp Alfredo, Creamy seafood pasta, Restaurant-quality Shrimp Alfredo

Fettuccine or penne pasta: I prefer fettuccine for that classic Alfredo feel, but penne works great if you want a slightly different texture.
Shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed frozen works fine; just make sure they’re dry before cooking so they sear nicely.
Oil: A neutral oil like vegetable or canola is perfect to get a nice sear on the shrimp.
Small onion: Finely chopped so it melts into the sauce and adds a subtle sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and helps sauté the aromatics.
Garlic clove: Minced or finely grated to infuse the sauce with that irresistible aroma.
White wine: A dry white wine like Chardonnay adds depth—plus it helps deglaze the pan with those flavorful bits from cooking shrimp.
Heavy whipping cream: The star that makes this sauce decadently creamy.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting smoothly and adding richness.
Salt & pepper: To season everything perfectly—taste as you go!
Paprika: Just a sprinkle for color and a tiny kick.
Parsley or basil: Fresh herbs brighten and add a pop of color when you serve.

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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 how flexible this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe is—once you nail the basic technique, you can swap things around to suit your mood. Don’t hesitate to get creative with it!

Vegetable Boost: I often toss in steamed broccoli or peas right at the end for a fresh, vibrant twist that adds texture and color.
Keto-Friendly: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb option that still lets you indulge in creamy Alfredo goodness.
Spicy Alfredo: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning to the shrimp brings a wonderful heat that my friends rave about.
Garlic Lover’s Version: Feel free to add an extra garlic clove or two if you’re like me and can’t resist that punchy, aromatic flavor.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking 3/4 lb of fettuccine or penne according to the package instructions. I don’t rinse the pasta after draining because keeping it a little starchy helps the sauce cling better—trust me, it makes a difference. Set it aside while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp Just Right

Lightly season your shrimp with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high, then add your shrimp in a single layer. Cook them about 1-2 minutes per side; they should turn golden pink and be opaque. Don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery — it’s a mistake I made once, and you won’t want to repeat it! Remove the shrimp to a bowl and keep the pan handy for your sauce.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Alfredo Sauce

Lower the heat slightly to medium-high, add 2 tablespoons butter and your finely chopped onion. Sauté until the onion turns golden and fragrant—this adds sweet depth to the sauce. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Pour in 1/3 cup white wine and let it reduce to about a quarter of its volume. This step deglazes the pan, lifting all those tasty browned bits from the shrimp — it’s a little trick I discovered that uplifts the whole dish.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Slowly add 2 cups heavy whipping cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes. Sprinkle in 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir just until everything blends into a creamy, smooth sauce. Important: Don’t let it boil here, or the cheese can separate. Season with salt, pepper, and about 1/4 tsp paprika for color and a hint of warmth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, then add your drained pasta (remember, no rinsing!). Toss gently to coat everything in that dreamy Alfredo sauce. If you want, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, basil, extra Parmesan, or cracked black pepper—it’s a small step that feels extra special and adds freshness.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: They cook fast—keep an eye; as soon as they’re opaque, pull them off the heat.
Use Room Temperature Cream & Cheese: Helps everything melt smoothly without curdling.
Deglaze the Pan: Scrape up those shrimp bits with wine—it adds layers of flavor you don’t want to miss.
Keep Sauce Gentle: Avoid boiling after adding cheese to prevent separation; simmer gently is key.

How to Serve Creamy 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 - Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, Shrimp Alfredo Pasta recipe, Easy Shrimp Alfredo, Creamy seafood pasta, Restaurant-quality Shrimp Alfredo

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil—not only does it look gorgeous, but the herbaceous touch brightens the richness of the sauce. A dusting of extra Parmesan and a few twists of cracked black pepper make it feel like a restaurant plate every time.

Side Dishes

Since the Alfredo is so rich, I like to keep sides light and fresh. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed asparagus pairs beautifully. Garlic bread is a classic too, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce (and yes, there will be leftovers!).

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this in shallow white bowls with a sprig of fresh basil on top and a drizzle of olive oil. It adds elegance and makes the colors pop. You could also twirl the pasta into nests using a fork for a fancy dinner-party vibe—little details go a long way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The creamy sauce thickens in the fridge, so it’s best to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

Freezing Alfredo pasta can be tricky because the cream sauce sometimes changes texture. I’ve had better luck freezing just the cooked shrimp and sauce separately, then mixing with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little milk or cream if it looks dry. Microwaving works too, but do it in short bursts to avoid curdling. Taking this care keeps the sauce luscious and the shrimp tender.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely and don’t steam. This keeps them from turning rubbery and helps build great flavor.
What’s the best type of pasta for this Alfredo?

Fettuccine is the classic choice because its wide, flat shape holds the creamy sauce well. But penne or even linguine work great too if you’re looking for a little variation or have different pasta on hand.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream or cashew cream as a substitute for the heavy cream, and a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The flavors will be a bit different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from breaking?

Keep the heat moderate and avoid boiling once you add the cheese. Stir gently and slowly heat the sauce to keep it smooth and creamy. Also, using room-temperature cream and cheese helps the sauce blend better.
Can I add other seafood or meat to this recipe?

For sure! Scallops, crab meat, or even grilled chicken can be excellent additions or swaps. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep everything tender and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—and it’s quick enough to whip up any night of the week. I love sharing it because it combines simplicity with serious flavor, letting you impress without stress. Once you make this, I’m confident it’ll earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation just like it did in mine. Go ahead, treat yourself and those you love to this creamy, dreamy comfort food. You won’t regret it!