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Easy Shrimp Alfredo

Name: Easy Shrimp Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked (fettuccine ); 1 pound shrimp (I used 31-40 count size) (thawed & peeled, tails optional); 2 tablespoons butter; 4 ounces cream cheese (I used 1/2 block Philly) (softened & cut into smaller pieces); 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 2 large cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Salt & pepper (to taste)

Published: Oct 10, 2019 / Updated: Aug 29, 2021 / 278 Comments

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This easy shrimp Alfredo pasta recipe is the perfect fast weeknight dinner that's tasty enough for company! Tender shrimp and fettuccine pasta are smothered in an amazing creamy garlic sauce.

It took me a few tries before I was confident in sharing this shrimp fettuccine Alfredo recipe. They were all minor tweaks to get that sauce just right. I am definitely happy with the finished product, and I hope you will be too! In this recipe, cooking shrimp for Alfredo is easy... they just cook right in the sauce.

Alfredo sauce (butter, cream, and parmesan), shouldn't be complicated to make, but I find that achieving the right sauce thickness is what really matters. You don't want it too thick... or too thin.

I also added my not-so-secret ingredient to this shrimp Alfredo recipe to make the sauce silkier, thicker, and just a hint of tangy (which complements the shrimp). Can you guess what it is?

It's cream cheese!

I'm sure some people would argue that cream cheese doesn't belong in Alfredo sauce, but I disagree. I'm all for variations on recipes if it makes sense and tastes good. I've seen plenty of recipes that use it and plenty that don't. I find that using cream cheese in here allowed me to skip using a thickening agent like flour, which in my opinion makes the recipe a bit easier overall.

Want this recipe but with chicken? Check out my Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.

Shrimp Alfredo ingredients:

Fettuccine pasta
Shrimp (I used frozen raw 31-40 count per pound size shrimp. You could use smaller or larger. If using smaller ones, take care not to overcook them)
Butter (unsalted)
Cream cheese (for added texture and tangy taste)
Heavy cream
Chicken broth (for added flavor)
Garlic
Parmesan cheese

How to make shrimp Alfredo (overview):

Add the butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Cook it for 5 minutes;
Stir in the parmesan cheese and let it bubble for about a minute;
Add the shrimp and cook for 5-6 minutes;
Season to taste and toss with the pasta.

Easy peasy! Full ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card below.

Love Alfredo sauce? Try this Chicken Tortellini Alfredo, my Lemon Parmesan Chicken Alfredo Recipe, or this 15 Minute Creamy Alfredo Gnocchi.

Shrimp preparation tips:

If the shrimp are frozen, place them in a colander and thaw them under cool running water.
Peel them (if they're not already peeled). You can either take the tails off or leave them on depending on your preference.

Shrimp Alfredo recipe success tips:

I suggest grating your own parmesan cheese. It makes a difference in the taste and some of the pre-grated stuff doesn't melt into the sauce as well. I love this cheese grater.
You can add more/less garlic depending on your preferences. I like quite a bit of garlic!
I don't recommend subbing the cream/butter/etc. for something else unless you're ok with experimenting a bit. I can't say how it will turn out without testing it. Half-and-half or milk will make the sauce more watery. This is definitely a treat meal. 🙂

More shrimp pasta recipes you'll love:

Will you make this garlic shrimp Alfredo pasta recipe? Questions? Let me know in the comments below!