30-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Rich and indulgent pasta featuring succulent shrimp in a velvety homemade Alfredo sauce. The combination of butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese creates an ultra-creamy base, while fresh garlic and Italian seasoning add aromatic depth. Perfect for date nights or special dinners when you want restaurant-quality comfort food at home. The shrimp are quickly seared to maintain their tender texture, then combined with al dente fettuccini and the luxurious cheese sauce for a satisfying meal that comes together in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 16 ounce fettuccini noodlespenne pasta1:1grain
different texture but works well
- ½ cup butter
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat and cook shrimp until opaque and cooked throughout
- 2
Remove shrimp and set aside on a plate
- 3
Bring water to a boil in a large pot and cook fettuccini until al dente, then drain
- 4
Add butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese to a pan and cook over medium heat, whisking until melted
- 5
Add minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and whisk until smooth
- 6
Add parmesan cheese and simmer until sauce starts to thicken
- 7
Add cooked shrimp and pasta to the sauce and toss to coat
Tips
Don't overcook the shrimp - they should be just opaque and will finish cooking when added back to the hot sauce.
Save some pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Freshly grated parmesan melts much better than pre-grated cheese for a smoother sauce.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight container. Sauce may separate when reheated.
Can prepare shrimp and cook pasta up to 1 day ahead. Make sauce fresh for best texture.
Serve immediately while hot. Garnish with additional parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Common Mistakes
Don't let the sauce boil vigorously to avoid curdling the cream cheese.
Add pasta water gradually to avoid making the sauce too thin.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp may release more water, so cook a bit longer to evaporate excess moisture.
What if my Alfredo sauce is too thick?
Add reserved pasta cooking water a tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency. The starch helps bind the sauce.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Store for up to 3 days refrigerated. Reheat gently over low heat, adding cream or milk to restore creaminess.