Shrimp Alfredo Recipe (with Video)

Shrimp Alfredo Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish that’s both luxurious and comforting. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender shrimp, it’s perfect for a family dinner or a romantic evening at home. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or whip up a quick yet indulgent meal, this recipe has you covered.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide and create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Shrimp Alfredo:

• Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined
• Pasta: Fettuccine is traditional, but any long pasta works (spaghetti or linguine are great alternatives)
• Butter: 1/2 cup (unsalted preferred)
• Heavy Cream: 2 cups for a rich sauce
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing shrimp
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Parsley: For garnishing (optional)

Ingredient Tips:

• Use fresh shrimp if possible, as it enhances flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp is convenient but must be thawed properly.
• For the Parmesan, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-grated varieties.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Before starting, gather these kitchen tools:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan for cooking shrimp and sauce
• Mixing spoon for stirring
• Tongs to handle pasta
• Grater for fresh Parmesan cheese
• Strainer or colander for draining pasta

Substitute Tip: If you don’t have a skillet, a deep frying pan works fine for preparing the sauce.

Prepping the Shrimp

To ensure tender, flavorful shrimp, follow these steps:

1. Clean the Shrimp: Rinse under cold water. Remove the shells and tails if not already done.
2. Devein: Use a sharp knife or deveiner tool to remove the black vein running along the back.
3. Marinate (Optional): Toss the shrimp with olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder for enhanced flavor. Let it sit for 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Pro Tip: Always pat shrimp dry with a paper towel before cooking to achieve a nice sear.

Preparing the Alfredo Sauce

The heart of Shrimp Alfredo is its creamy, decadent sauce. Here’s how to get it just right:

1. Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the cream slowly, whisking continuously. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
4. Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually add grated Parmesan, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens.

Mistakes to Avoid:

• Avoid boiling the sauce; it can separate. Keep the heat low for a smooth texture.
• Add Parmesan gradually to prevent clumping.

Cooking the Pasta

Perfect pasta is key to this dish. Here’s how to do it:

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt (it should taste like the sea).
2. Cook Pasta: Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This typically takes 8-10 minutes.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, save about 1 cup of pasta water. This starchy liquid can help loosen the sauce if needed.
4. Drain and Toss: Drain the pasta in a colander, but do not rinse it. Toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Pro Tip: Al dente pasta ensures it holds its texture when mixed with the Alfredo sauce.

Cooking the Shrimp

Now that your pasta and sauce are prepped, it’s time to cook the shrimp to perfection. Shrimp cooks quickly, so follow these steps carefully:

1. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let it heat until shimmering.
2. Add Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until they turn pink and slightly golden.
3. Flip Shrimp: Flip the shrimp using tongs or a spatula. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side.
4. Season as Needed: Sprinkle a pinch of salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika for added flavor.

Important Tip: Avoid overcooking shrimp. They are done when they are opaque and firm to the touch but still tender.

Mixing the Pasta and Sauce

This is where all the flavors come together to create the perfect Shrimp Alfredo:

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand of pasta with the creamy sauce.
2. Incorporate Shrimp: Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the pasta and sauce mixture, ensuring even distribution.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir until the sauce is velvety and clings to the pasta.

Pro Tip: Work quickly to keep the pasta and sauce warm. Serving this dish hot ensures maximum flavor and creaminess.

Adding Final Touches

The final step is to elevate your dish with garnishes and thoughtful presentation:

1. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Add a pinch of lemon zest for a subtle citrus note that balances the richness.
2. Grate Extra Parmesan: Top the dish with freshly grated Parmesan for an indulgent finish.
3. Serve Hot: Plate the Shrimp Alfredo in shallow bowls or plates. Serve immediately with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Serving Tip: A wedge of lemon on the side adds a refreshing twist for those who enjoy a bit of acidity with their Alfredo.

Tips for Making Perfect Shrimp Alfredo

Making a flawless Shrimp Alfredo requires attention to detail. Here are some extra tips to ensure success:

• Avoid Pre-Cooked Shrimp: Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery when reheated. Always use raw shrimp for the best texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cream, Parmesan, and garlic make a significant difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook shrimp in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and a golden sear.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to customize the dish.
• Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of milk to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

FAQs about Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

1. What is Shrimp Alfredo?

Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy and delicious pasta dish made with tender shrimp, a rich Alfredo sauce, and fettuccine or similar pasta. The sauce typically includes butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious flavor profile.

2. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for Shrimp Alfredo?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Simply add the shrimp towards the end of the cooking process to heat them through without overcooking.

3. How do I make the Alfredo sauce?

To make Alfredo sauce, melt butter in a pan, add minced garlic, and stir until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and simmer, then mix in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Can I substitute heavy cream in Alfredo sauce?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. However, the sauce may be less creamy, so you can add a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it.

5. What sides go well with Shrimp Alfredo?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus are perfect side dishes to complement the rich flavors of Shrimp Alfredo.

6. How do I store leftovers?

Store Shrimp Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

7. Can I add other ingredients to Shrimp Alfredo?

Absolutely! You can enhance the dish with mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Shrimp Alfredo is a timeless dish that combines rich, creamy flavors with tender, juicy shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta. With its elegant presentation and comforting taste, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and endlessly customizable. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of making this delicious classic. Happy cooking!