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Our easy Shrimp Alfredo recipe has juicy shrimp tossed in a rich, creamy homemade alfredo sauce. It's restaurant-quality and ready in just 30 minutes.
This 20-Minute Shrimp Alfredo Is a Family Favorite
I can't think of a better comfort food than this Shrimp Alfredo! It tastes like something you'd enjoy at a fancy Italian restaurant, but it comes together so quickly that I can make it on a regular Tuesday night. It's actually easier than most recipes–all you need is butter, cream and parmesan for the sauce.
Be sure to buy high quality parmesan cheese. Look for the “DOP” seal that shows it's authentic Parmigiano Reggiano so you know it was produced in Italy (and you can tell it's the good stuff!) Parmigiano Reggiano is the best choice for Alfredo because it emulsifies into a smooth, nutty sauce far better than generic versions of parm.
Check out more of my easy pasta recipes, like Crock Pot Baked Ziti, One Pan Skillet Lasagna, Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, and Swedish Meatballs!
How to make Shrimp Alfredo:
Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain and set aside. Grate parmesan cheese and set aside to come to room temperature. This will help it melt smoothly in the sauce.
Make Alfredo Sauce: Melt butter in a large pan then add garlic, stirring frequently for one minute then pour in cream, bringing to a simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. Whisk in parmesan cheese over low until smooth then season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in noodles.
Cook Shrimp: Season shrimp with salt and pepper then melt a tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes. Serve noodles with a scoop of shrimp on top then garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with crusty bread and a wedge salad.
Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, , finely minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 oz freshly grated parmesan cheese*, , (about 2 cups)
- salt and pepper, , to taste
- 1 lb fettuccine noodles, , (or favorite kind of pasta)
Shrimp:
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp, , thawed and peeled, tails optional
- 1 Tablespoon oil, , or butter
- fresh chopped parsley, , for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Grate parmesan cheese and set aside, to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Alfredo Sauce: Heat a large sauce pan over medium heat. Add butter and cook until melted. Add garlic, stirring frequently for 1 minute. Add cream and whisk to combine, bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. Turn heat to low and add parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add pasta and toss to coat.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Melt 1 tablespoon butter or oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve noodles with a few shrimp on top. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I originally shared this recipe September 2021. Updated August 2024 and January 2026.
I used Heavy Whipping Cream….is that going to make a difference?
Using heavy whipping cream is totally fine! It just makes the sauce a little richer and creamier—still delicious!
Absolutely delicious! I only had Pecorino Romano cheese on hand, so I substituted that for the parmesan. My arteries are crying out in protest, but it was so good!
I made this tonight and it turned out amazing. This is one of those recipes you need to taste and season. Super easy and delicious. Thanks.
DELICIOUS!!!
One of my favorite Alfredo sauces! So delicious.
I’m making your shrimp Alfredo later today. How far in advance do you cook your pasta? Can I make the Alfredo sauce earlier today and then reheat for supper?
Yes, that would be fine–you may just need to thin it with some broth or hot pasta water.
It appears the conversion for the grated cheese is wrong. The 1st times 1x recipe calls for 4 ounce grated cheese say 4 ounces or 2 cups. Times 2x recipe says 8 ounce grated cheese or 2 cups. Please clarify, as I would like to make this recipe soon.
The 2x SHOULD be 4 cups!
Made this for my family dinner and they loved it! I cheated and used prepackaged shredded Parmesan but it still tasted so good! Thank you for this easy recipe!
We make this all the time! It’s so simple and delicious. We plan on putting some Cajun seasoning on the shrimp sometime.
My mom and I made this dinner, it was Excellent!!! We doubled the sauce and my dad just raved about it (he ate 2 bowls). Thank you for this awesome dish!