Creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce paired with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta — a classic dinner winner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and elegant dinner in under 30 minutes

• Rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with bold garlic flavor

• Juicy, tender shrimp with hints of spice

• Family-friendly and customizable with your favorite pasta

• Great for date night or a cozy weeknight meal

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• ½ tsp paprika or Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1½ cups heavy cream

• ¾ to 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For Serving:

• 8 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice), cooked and drained

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

• Extra Parmesan, for garnish

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Directions

Step 1

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and oil. Add shrimp, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika or Italian seasoning. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic powder and heavy cream. Simmer gently 3–4 minutes (do not boil).

Step 4

Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Step 5

Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or basil and extra Parmesan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the pan.

What kind of pasta works best?

Fettuccine is traditional, but linguine, spaghetti, or penne work great too.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and shrimp ahead, then reheat gently before tossing with pasta.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Use a non-dairy cream substitute and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast, but results may vary.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Shrimp Alfredo is a restaurant-style dish made easy at home. It’s creamy, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying — perfect for when you want something special with minimal effort. Serve with a green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal!