If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, this Alfredo recipe with shrimp is going to blow you away. It’s rich, full of flavor, and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender shrimp, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is simply irresistible. Plus, making it at home is a fraction of the cost compared to dining out, and you get to control the quality of the ingredients.
Ingredients
- 450g (1 lb) shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot (finely chopped)
- 200g (7 oz) pasta (fettuccine or your favorite pasta)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) white wine (or juice of 1/2 lemon as a substitute)
- 470 ml (2 cups) heavy whipping cream
- 70g (2.4 oz) Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Sprinkle of paprika
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling pasta)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water (with 1 teaspoon of salt) to a boil. Add the 200g (7 oz) pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- Season the shrimp: Season the 450g (1 lb) shrimp with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- Sauté the shallot and garlic: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt. Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze with white wine: Pour in 80 ml (1/3 cup) of white wine (or the juice of 1/2 lemon as a substitute) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
- Add the cream: Slowly pour in the 470 ml (2 cups) of heavy whipping cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Allow the cream to come to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate the Parmesan: Gradually add the 70g (2.4 oz) of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season the sauce: Taste the sauce and season with additional salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika if needed.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Toss the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Add the shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing them with the pasta and sauce until everything is well combined.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the pasta and shrimp to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right pasta: Fettuccine is the classic choice for Alfredo sauce, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. Penne, linguine, or even spaghetti work well too.
- Fresh ingredients: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.
- Cooking the shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque.
Variations
- Chicken Alfredo: Swap out the shrimp for grilled or sautéed chicken breast slices.
- Vegetarian Alfredo: Omit the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spicy Alfredo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Alfredo sauce without heavy cream? Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version of the sauce.
2. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
3. Can I freeze Alfredo sauce? While it’s possible to freeze Alfredo sauce, the texture may change slightly when thawed due to the cream. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
4. What can I serve with Alfredo pasta? This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
5. Can I use a different cheese? Parmesan is traditional, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a blend of your favorite Italian cheeses.
This creamy, rich, and incredibly delicious Alfredo recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your recipe repertoire. It’s not only easy and quick to prepare but also versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. The combination of shrimp, creamy sauce, and tender pasta makes for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the flavors, and don’t forget to let me know in the comments how you liked it!
