Decadent Shrimp Alfredo

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly satisfying Shrimp Alfredo. Perfect for a cozy date night, a festive special occasion, or simply impressing important guests, this recipe delivers gourmet flavor with surprising ease.

Are you a devoted shrimp enthusiast always searching for your next favorite seafood dish? Beyond this luscious Alfredo, you absolutely must explore these other fantastic shrimp recipes: try our zesty Skillet Shrimp Fajitas for a vibrant meal or tantalize your taste buds with these flavorful Spicy Shrimp Bowls.

There are few pasta dishes as universally beloved and comforting as a classic Alfredo. While traditional Fettuccine Alfredo holds a special place in many hearts, adding succulent shrimp transforms it into an elegant and satisfying meal that’s truly unforgettable. This particular Shrimp Alfredo recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, a go-to for those moments when I want to create something truly special without spending hours slaving over the stove. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night at home, celebrating a holiday, or simply hosting friends and family, this dish consistently delivers on flavor and presentation.

My husband, in particular, is an ardent admirer of Fettuccine Alfredo. I often joke that if I made it weekly, he would happily oblige and enjoy every single serving. For a long time, back when my culinary skills were still developing, I resorted to using convenient store-bought sauce packets for his favorite dish. They were quick, but often lacked the depth and freshness of a truly homemade sauce. However, everything changed in 2004 when one of my sisters shared her cherished Alfredo recipe with me. It was a revelation! I quickly discovered that crafting a rich, creamy sauce from scratch was not only incredibly straightforward but also yielded a flavor profile that store-bought options simply couldn’t match. Since that pivotal moment, those sauce packets have been a distant memory in my pantry, replaced by the joy and simplicity of making Alfredo from scratch.

This recipe builds on that homemade foundation, elevating it with perfectly cooked shrimp and vibrant asparagus, creating a dish that feels both luxurious and approachable. It’s proof that impressive meals don’t have to be complicated, and with a few fresh ingredients and simple techniques, you can create restaurant-quality pasta right in your own kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Shrimp Alfredo

Creating an exceptional Shrimp Alfredo begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s signature creamy texture and rich flavor. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why:

• Pasta: While fettuccine is the traditional choice for Alfredo and what I typically use, its broad surface perfectly catches the creamy sauce. However, feel free to experiment with other long-cut pasta shapes like linguine, spaghetti, or even tagliatelle. The key is to cook your pasta to a perfect al dente for the best texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter forms the luscious base of our sauce and is crucial for sautéing the aromatics and shrimp. I always opt for unsalted butter, as it gives you complete control over the dish’s overall saltiness, allowing you to season to taste.
• Onion: A finely diced yellow or white onion provides an aromatic foundation, adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. Don’t underestimate the power of properly sautéed onions to build a rich flavor profile.
• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms, whether white button or cremini (baby bellas), add an earthy, savory note and wonderful texture to the Alfredo. If you’re not a mushroom fan, you can easily omit them without compromising the core flavor of the dish.
• Shrimp: The star of our show! You’ll want fresh or frozen (and thawed) shrimp that are peeled and deveined. For easier eating, I recommend removing the tails, though leaving them on can sometimes make for a more elegant presentation. Ensure the shrimp are of a good size, such as medium to large, to stand out in the pasta.
• All-Purpose Flour: Flour is essential for creating a roux, which acts as the thickening agent for our Alfredo sauce. It helps create that wonderfully smooth, velvety consistency without being overly heavy.
• Chicken Broth: Incorporating chicken broth is a fantastic way to achieve a lighter, yet still flavorful, white sauce. It adds savory notes without making the sauce overly rich. Vegetable broth can be used as a suitable vegetarian alternative.
• Evaporated Milk: This is my secret weapon for cutting down on calories without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or creamy texture. Evaporated milk, which is essentially cow’s milk with about 60% of its water removed, offers a similar richness to heavy cream when reduced, but with less fat. If you haven’t tried this trick, it’s a game-changer! Of course, if you prefer the classic indulgence, feel free to use heavy cream.
• Parmesan Cheese: For the best results, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make the cheese clump and melt poorly into the sauce, affecting both texture and flavor. A good quality block of Parmesan, grated just before use, will melt beautifully and impart a superior, nutty flavor. You could also try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier kick.
• Garlic Powder: A hint of garlic powder enhances the savory profile of the sauce. Alternatively, if you prefer fresh garlic, mince 2-3 cloves and add them to the pan during the last minute of cooking the onions and mushrooms to prevent burning.
• Nutmeg: A small dash of freshly grated nutmeg is the subtle, often overlooked ingredient that elevates a cream sauce from good to extraordinary. It adds a whisper of warm, comforting spice that beautifully complements the richness of the cheese and milk.
• Asparagus: Steamed and diagonally cut asparagus brings a delightful crunch, fresh flavor, and vibrant color to the dish. It’s a fantastic seasonal addition, but this ingredient is highly versatile. Consider substituting with steamed broccoli florets, sweet peas, or even wilted spinach for equally delicious results.

How to Craft Your Perfect Shrimp Alfredo

Making homemade Shrimp Alfredo might sound daunting, but it’s surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for a creamy, flavorful dish:

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season the water generously with salt – this is your only chance to flavor the pasta itself. Add your chosen pasta (fettuccine works wonderfully) and cook according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before draining, make sure to reserve about a mugful (roughly 1 to 1.5 cups) of the starchy pasta water. This liquid is golden for loosening the sauce later if needed. Drain the pasta and return it to the empty pot.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Shrimp: While your pasta is cooking, melt 1/4 cup of the unsalted butter in a large skillet or medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and become translucent (about 3-5 minutes). Next, add the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking until both the onions and mushrooms are tender and slightly caramelized (another 5-7 minutes). Finally, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery very quickly. Remove the shrimp, onion, and mushroom mixture from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a separate, clean saucepan, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour. Continue to whisk and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste and form a smooth roux. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce without a floury aftertaste.
4. Build the Creamy Sauce: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and then the evaporated milk (or heavy cream) into the roux. Keep whisking to ensure no lumps form. Stir in the garlic powder and a dash of nutmeg. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt if needed (remember your pasta water and Parmesan will add salt too).
5. Combine and Serve: Add the sautéed shrimp, onion, and mushroom mixture back into the pot with the cooked pasta. Pour the creamy Alfredo sauce over the pasta and toss everything gently to combine, ensuring every strand is coated in the luxurious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or needs a bit more fluidity, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency.
6. Final Touch: Stir in the steamed asparagus pieces. Give it one last gentle toss and serve immediately, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Expert Tips and Creative Variations for Your Shrimp Alfredo

This Shrimp Alfredo recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your taste and what you have on hand. Here are some expert tips and creative variations to make your dish truly shine:

• Cheese Exploration: While Parmesan is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. A sharper Pecorino Romano can add a more intense, salty bite, or for the adventurous, a good quality blue cheese crumbled in at the end can introduce a surprisingly delicious and sophisticated tang. Even a blend of Parmesan and a mild white cheddar can be delightful.
• Protein Power-Ups: My sister’s original recipe, which inspired this dish, actually called for scallops, and they are absolutely delicious here! Beyond shrimp, this Alfredo base pairs wonderfully with other proteins. Consider pan-seared chicken breast, crispy crumbled bacon, or luxurious crab meat for equally impressive and flavorful meals. A mix of proteins, like chicken and shrimp, also works beautifully.
• Seasoning to Perfection: The cardinal rule in cooking is to season to taste. While I usually don’t add much extra salt to this recipe (the broth, Parmesan, and salted pasta water typically provide enough), I am very generous with freshly cracked black pepper. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle warmth and gentle heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Mastering Leftovers: Pasta tends to soak up a lot of sauce when refrigerated overnight, often resulting in a thicker, less creamy dish when reheated. To combat this, always save some extra pasta water if you anticipate having leftovers. When reheating, gently warm the pasta and add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and bring it back to its original creamy consistency. If you didn’t save pasta water, chicken broth or even a little extra evaporated milk can work wonders.
• Adding Vegetables: Beyond asparagus, a variety of vegetables can elevate this dish. Consider sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli florets, green peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color, texture, and nutrients. Add softer vegetables like spinach at the very end to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Serving Suggestions: Enhance your Shrimp Alfredo experience with a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping, a light green salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness, and perhaps a glass of crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

More Delightful Shrimp Pasta Creations

If this Shrimp Alfredo has awakened your appetite for more incredible seafood and pasta combinations, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic shrimp pasta recipes to explore:

• Creamy Tomato Pasta with Shrimp
• Key West Penne
• Shrimp Pasta with Poblano Cream Sauce
• Lemon Pepper Shrimp Pasta
• Thai Shrimp and Noodles
• Fra Diavolo Shrimp

Homemade Shrimp Alfredo

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

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Whether it’s for a date night at home, a special occasion, or important company, this Shrimp Alfredo is impressive, yet easy to make!

Ingredients

• 12 oz fettuccine noodles
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
• 1/4 cup diced onion (yellow or white)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (white or baby bellas)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails removed for easier eating)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup evaporated milk (or heavy cream)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2-3 cloves fresh minced garlic)
• Dash of nutmeg (freshly grated for best flavor)
• 3/4 cup steamed asparagus, cut on a diagonal into 1/2 inch pieces (or other vegetables like broccoli or peas)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt generously. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve a mug full (1-1.5 cups) of the starchy pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta, then place it back into the pot.
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt 1/4 cup of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and slowly cook until they are starting to soften (3-5 minutes). Add the sliced mushrooms and continue to cook until both are tender (another 5-7 minutes). Add the shrimp and cook until they have changed color and are cooked through (2-3 minutes per side). Remove the shrimp mixture and set aside.
3. In another saucepan, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until combined. Cook and stir for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then the evaporated milk. Stir in the garlic powder and nutmeg, and season generously with black pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Add the cooked shrimp, onion, and mushroom mixture, along with the sauce, to the pot with the pasta. Toss gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Stir in the steamed asparagus, then serve immediately.

Recipe Notes:

*You can substitute heavy cream for evaporated milk for a richer sauce.

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.

Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving)

• Serving: 1/4 of the recipe
• Calories: 718 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Protein: 48g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 258mg
• Sodium: 727mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g

Keywords: shrimp pasta, white sauce pasta, easy alfredo, homemade alfredo, creamy shrimp dish