• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Salt & Lavender logo
  • Recipes
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • About
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Fish & Seafood

    Easy Shrimp Alfredo

    Published: Oct 10, 2019 / Updated: Aug 29, 2021 / 392 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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.

    creamy shrimp alfredo pasta in a skillet

    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!

    shrimp fettuccine alfredo in a white bowl (close-up)

    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):

    1. Add the butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Cook it for 5 minutes;
    2. Stir in the parmesan cheese and let it bubble for about a minute;
    3. Add the shrimp and cook for 5-6 minutes;
    4. 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.

    Close-up of the best shrimp alfredo recipe!

    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:

    • Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta
    • Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
    • Shrimp and Bacon Pasta
    • Easy Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta

    shrimp alfredo pasta in two bowls

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

    Close-up of the best shrimp alfredo recipe!

    Easy Shrimp Alfredo

    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.
    4.95 from 117 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian American
    Servings 4
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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

    Instructions
     

    • Take the cream cheese out of the fridge so it has a chance to soften up. Prep your shrimp.
    • Start boiling a salted pot of water for the fettuccine. Cook it al dente according to package directions.
    • Meanwhile, add the butter, cream cheese, cream, chicken broth, and garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the pan has heated up, you can use your spoon to help the cream cheese melt into the sauce. This will take a couple of minutes.
    • When the cream cheese has been incorporated into the sauce, let it gently bubble for 5 minutes until the sauce has reduced somewhat. You can give it the occasional stir. I grate the parmesan cheese while it's cooking.
    • Stir the parmesan into the sauce. Let it cook for about a minute.
    • Add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Season the shrimp Alfredo with salt & pepper as needed. Toss with the drained pasta and serve immediately.

    Notes

    • If at any point the sauce gets too thick for your tastes, thin it out with a bit of the hot pasta water.
    • You can microwave the cream cheese for 20-30 seconds if you forget to take it out of the fridge in time for it to soften up.
    Keyword shrimp Alfredo pasta recipe
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Easy Baked Potato Soup
    Chicken Fajita Soup »

    Loved this recipe? Share it:

    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Laura Mullins says

      June 16, 2022 at 11:37 AM

      I made this and it was awesome. My husband LOVED it and kept talking about how good it was. (I did add mushrooms, broccoli and bacon) and of course freshly grated cheese is the way to go.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 16, 2022 at 11:43 AM

        I'm so pleased you guys enjoyed it, Laura!! 😀 Thanks for letting me know.

        Reply
    2. Abnersmom says

      May 24, 2022 at 6:30 PM

      5 stars
      Easy and delicious. Grated my own Parmesan and doubled the amount. Also added broccoli in addition to shrimp.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 24, 2022 at 8:23 PM

        Awesome!! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your review!

        Reply
    3. Fresnoprincess says

      May 19, 2022 at 7:11 AM

      5 stars
      I did this pasta after reading how to make it and it was the best pasta! My husband gave me cudos for this meal! He loved the pasta. My husband is a picky eater. The only problem I had was with the cream cheese, it did not melt completely so next time I will probably blend it in the blender with the chicken broth and the heavy cream before adding it to the butter.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 19, 2022 at 8:42 AM

        I'm glad you two enjoyed it!! Yup, the cream cheese needs to be very soft. I like to microwave it first, and then it melts in much easier.

        Reply
    4. Kristen says

      May 17, 2022 at 4:23 PM

      I made this for dinner in honor of my daughter’s boyfriends birthday at his request of a shrimp Alfredo meal. It was “AMAZING” he said. We all agreed. I have saved this for meal rotation. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 17, 2022 at 10:06 PM

        I love that!! 😀 You're very welcome.

        Reply
    5. Kim says

      May 11, 2022 at 5:23 PM

      5 stars
      AWESOME, Perfect, we loved it and it was easy to prepare. Definitely a keeper.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 11, 2022 at 7:30 PM

        So happy it was a hit, Kim!! Thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Jennifer says

      May 1, 2022 at 5:35 PM

      4 stars
      This was super easy to make and tasted good. It was just a little too rich and heavy for my taste. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 1, 2022 at 6:07 PM

        You're welcome! Yup, it's definitely pretty rich.

        Reply
    7. Holly says

      April 26, 2022 at 12:46 PM

      Cream cheese and chicken broth? That ain’t Alfredo.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 26, 2022 at 1:02 PM

        You're free to move on and make a different Alfredo recipe, Holly. But thanks for sharing your wisdom and making the world a better place. 🙂

        Reply
      • Sandy says

        June 6, 2022 at 4:00 PM

        5 stars
        I just made this. It's awesome, my family loved it

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          June 6, 2022 at 4:01 PM

          Fantastic!! Thanks, Sandy! 🙂

          Reply
    8. Christina B. says

      April 11, 2022 at 9:55 PM

      5 stars
      This is a truly fantastic recipe! Because I never do what I’m told, I did use half shrimp/half chicken because I needed to use up both and added a little Creole seasoning and a 1/2 cup of frozen peas at the end and let it sit for about five minutes, covered, to gently thaw & warm the peas. Epic. Oh I also used pappardelle pasta instead of fettuccine noodles because our store was out. We will happily add this to our monthly rotation 🤗.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 11, 2022 at 10:42 PM

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it!! 😀

        Reply
    9. marty says

      April 10, 2022 at 5:14 PM

      5 stars
      Very delicious and easy to make.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 10, 2022 at 5:55 PM

        Excellent!! Thank you!

        Reply
    10. Holly Larson says

      April 9, 2022 at 9:21 AM

      5 stars
      LOVE LOVE LOOVVEEEEE your site! I’ve been so busy with a new job, figuring out bills and life that I let my love to cooking stay on the back burner. Your recipes and advice helped me to break it out! My mom is hesitant with the heavy cream, but I’ll get her to try some of these great recipes eventually! My friends and sisters are hooked❤️🥳 And always ask when I’m coming over and what I’m making!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 9, 2022 at 9:35 AM

        Aww your comment made my day, Holly!! 🙂 Thanks so much. I'm so happy that you're enjoying my recipes and they're making your life a little easier. I wish you continued good luck with the new job! 🙂 XO

        Reply
    11. Tanvia says

      April 2, 2022 at 6:47 AM

      5 stars
      Thank you for this awesome recipe. I made it last night for the first time and it was amazing! Kid tested and approved as my very picky little eater went back for seconds! 💜

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 2, 2022 at 10:21 AM

        You're very welcome!! That's so nice to hear your kid liked it! 😀

        Reply
    12. Terrie says

      April 1, 2022 at 12:00 PM

      5 stars
      I loved it and very easy. Way better than store bought. Family loves it. The parmesan was strong flavored but we thought great.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 1, 2022 at 12:14 PM

        Fantastic!! I'm so happy it was a hit, Terrie! Thanks for your 5-star review!

        Reply
    13. Kim says

      March 27, 2022 at 4:32 PM

      5 stars
      Really really great recipe, tastes like sea food Alfredo from Olive Garden which is what I was hoping for!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 27, 2022 at 4:35 PM

        That's great to hear, Kim!! 😀 Thanks for your 5-star review!

        Reply
    14. Victoria says

      March 13, 2022 at 5:36 PM

      5 stars
      Made this for dinner and it was a hit. Being from Louisiana I add a few Cajun seasonings and we loved it.

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        March 13, 2022 at 9:16 PM

        Love the Cajun twist! So happy you enjoyed the recipe, Victoria.

        Reply
    15. Isaac zuniga says

      March 4, 2022 at 10:25 AM

      I just made this for lunch, it came out very good.
      I am very pleased with this recope, it will definitely be my go to Alfredo sauce, thank you

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 4, 2022 at 10:41 AM

        That's great!! Thanks for letting me know, Isaac!

        Reply
    16. D. Colson says

      March 3, 2022 at 5:43 PM

      5 stars
      5 stars
      This was delicious. I reduced Parmesan cheese to 1/4 cup because I can’t tolerate lots of strong cheese. Also, I used 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of minced garlic cloves because I don’t like a lot of garlic. The cream cheese was a great idea. This dish was still full of flavor and got a thumbs up compliment from my companion. I will make this again.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 3, 2022 at 5:46 PM

        Wonderful! Thank you!

        Reply
    17. RW says

      February 24, 2022 at 9:38 AM

      5 stars
      Wasn't sure how this would turn out with the cream cheese, but I made it today, increasing all of the amounts a little but it came out perfect. Probably should have taken the tip and melted cream cheese in the microwave first cuz it took a little bit for it to break down all the way but other than that perfect recipe and quick and easy.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 24, 2022 at 10:17 AM

        I'm so glad you gave it a try and enjoyed it!! 🙂 Thanks for your review!

        Reply
    18. Char Russell says

      February 22, 2022 at 5:04 PM

      5 stars
      Easy recipe. Pretty quick to make. I sautéed half of my shrimp then put in sauce and then cooked rest in sauce. My kids love this recipe. I doubled it up so we can have leftovers. Will definitely make again.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 22, 2022 at 5:12 PM

        Awesome!! So glad it was a hit. Thanks for your review!

        Reply
    19. Zubaidah says

      February 20, 2022 at 9:53 PM

      Hi Natasha.. Thank you for this recipe. I’m making it for lunch right now 😊🤗

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 20, 2022 at 10:03 PM

        Hi! Enjoy!! 🙂

        Reply
    20. Lawanna says

      February 20, 2022 at 3:31 AM

      5 stars
      I made this and it was so good. Thank you for sharing this recipe. I added spinach to mine. It was delicious 😋 😍 😊. Blessings

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 20, 2022 at 11:31 AM

        Yay!! I'm so happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for your review.

        Reply
    21. Mee says

      February 9, 2022 at 2:17 PM

      5 stars
      Yummy! I like how you add the shrimp and cook it in the sauce! Easy!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 9, 2022 at 4:15 PM

        I'm so glad you liked it!!

        Reply
    22. Suz Wildman says

      February 3, 2022 at 5:30 PM

      I made this easy recipe today. Very tasty, we all liked how creamy the sauce turned out. I substituted white wine for chicken broth because I had these wine open and didn't have a chicken broth open.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 3, 2022 at 6:38 PM

        Fabulous!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. 🙂 Thanks for your comment, Suz!

        Reply
    23. Katrina says

      January 31, 2022 at 9:16 AM

      5 stars
      So delicious! We used a seafood medley instead of just shrimp, but it was incredible! A little bit time consuming but pretty easy to make.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 31, 2022 at 11:20 AM

        Fantastic!! Thank you!

        Reply
    24. Bill says

      January 30, 2022 at 10:11 PM

      3 stars
      We're stuck in the middle. My wife likes it, I don't dislike it, but I think the cream cheese really takes away from the flavor of the Parmesan.

      Reply
    25. Travis says

      January 18, 2022 at 4:22 PM

      5 stars
      Are you cooking the shrimp in its own pan or letting it cook in the sauce?

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        January 18, 2022 at 7:07 PM

        Hi Travis! The shrimp cook right in the sauce.

        Reply
        • Travis says

          January 18, 2022 at 7:13 PM

          5 stars
          Thanks I just finished peeling my shrimp. Aloha from Hawaii I followed your blog on Facebook!

          Reply
          • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

            January 18, 2022 at 8:02 PM

            Thanks so much!! Enjoy the meal 🙂

            Reply
    26. Janie Burnett says

      January 15, 2022 at 6:55 PM

      Gosh I made this for supper tonight and it was sooo good, I did add mushrooms and green onions I will definitely make this again. Thank you for sharing

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 15, 2022 at 7:08 PM

        Fantastic!! You're welcome! 🙂

        Reply
    27. Iman says

      January 15, 2022 at 2:24 AM

      Hey I was wondering if this can work without the cream cheese...I have all the ingredients except that...also I have cooked frozen shrimp will that work too? Thanks 😀

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 15, 2022 at 9:50 AM

        Hi! So, the cream cheese is the "magical" ingredient in this recipe and helps make more sauce (there's quite a lot of it) as well as add a slight tangy flavor and thicken the sauce. You're welcome to experiment without it, but the recipe won't be the same, and you will likely have to cook the sauce for longer and/or find other ways to thicken it up (like make a roux). I'd also use more cream to compensate for the lack of cream cheese unless you're making it for fewer people. Re: cooked shrimp, I'd thaw them and then add them right at the end (just to warm thru) since they can overcook very easily.

        Reply
    28. Maria says

      January 3, 2022 at 7:11 PM

      5 stars
      Tried this recipe and it turned out perfect! The cream cheese adds a nice creamy texture. I also added mushrooms for extra flavor!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 3, 2022 at 7:34 PM

        Fabulous!! 😀 That's awesome. Love the mushroom addition too!

        Reply
    29. Jackie Gonzales says

      December 21, 2021 at 5:25 PM

      5 stars
      We made this recipe countless times and it never disappoints! Our family loves it and it’s pretty quick!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 21, 2021 at 7:48 PM

        So happy to hear it!! Thanks for your review, Jackie! 🙂

        Reply
    30. Gabby says

      December 18, 2021 at 7:48 PM

      This is one of my favorite Alfredo recipes, cream cheese and all. I will sometimes throw some broccoli into a food processor until very fine and mix that into the sauce for my picky littles. They don’t even know it’s there and It’s great either way!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 18, 2021 at 7:50 PM

        That's such a good idea!! I'm so glad you like the recipe, Gabby! 🙂

        Reply
    31. Tony says

      December 16, 2021 at 12:38 PM

      Excellent recipe. I like recipes that are really have balanced flavor.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 16, 2021 at 12:46 PM

        Thanks, Tony! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it!!

        Reply
    32. Luke says

      December 11, 2021 at 6:29 PM

      5 stars
      Used this twice in 2 days! Tastes like it came from a restaurant! Love it.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 11, 2021 at 6:34 PM

        That's what I like to hear!! 🙂 Thanks for your review!

        Reply
    33. Nick M. says

      December 11, 2021 at 6:02 PM

      Replace cream cheese with greek yogurt, and perfection!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        March 1, 2022 at 4:11 PM

        Greek yogurt? Sounds yucky! Never understood why people leave comments like this on a recipe. Recipe sounds great as written. Getting ready to make it AS WRITTEN right now.

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          March 1, 2022 at 4:28 PM

          🙂

          Reply
    « Older Comments

    Primary Sidebar

    Natasha Bull, founder and author of Salt & Lavender, in the kitchen

    Hi! I'm Natasha. Salt & Lavender is a recipe blog with a focus on delicious comfort food using everyday ingredients. Beat the weekday grind with hundreds of easy-to-follow and hassle-free recipes!  Read more...

    Get new recipes in your inbox weekly!

    BROWSE RECIPES:

    Footer

    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Site Policies
    • For Bloggers
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    · Copyright © 2022 Salt & Lavender Inc ·