Delicious Shrimp Alfredo: The Perfect Weeknight Meal!

Okay, Mom Tribe, gather ’round! Let’s talk about one of my go-to sanity savers – Shrimp Alfredo! I remember the first time I made it. It was a Tuesday (because, let’s be real, who has time for fancy on a Tuesday?), the kids were super hangry, and the laundry pile was threatening to take over the living room. I needed something quick, easy, and that everyone would actually eat.

I’d seen Shrimp Alfredo recipes before, but they all seemed so complicated. Who has time to make a béchamel sauce from scratch when little Timmy is screaming for mac and cheese? So, I did what any resourceful mom would do – I simplified it!

The beauty of this Shrimp Alfredo is that it’s totally customizable. You can use jarred sauce (no shame!), add veggies, or even swap out the shrimp for chicken if that’s what your crew prefers. This Shrimp Alfredo has become a staple in our house, and it’s always a hit.

It fits perfectly into our busy family life because it’s ready in under 30 minutes, which is a major win on those chaotic weeknights. I love how versatile Shrimp Alfredo is – it can be dressed up for a special occasion or kept super simple for a quick weeknight meal. Fellow kitchen warriors, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe that the whole family will love, then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Trust me, this Shrimp Alfredo ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta – You can use any pasta shape, but fettuccine is classic. Grab this at Target while doing your regular grocery run!
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined – Frozen is totally fine (and often more budget-friendly!). Just make sure to thaw it properly.
• 4 tablespoons butter – I use salted, but unsalted works too. Whatever you have on hand!
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Or use the pre-minced stuff in a jar. I won’t tell!
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream – This is what makes the Alfredo sauce so creamy and dreamy.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is best, but the pre-shredded stuff works in a pinch. This Shrimp Alfredo doesn’t have to break the bank.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Add more to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always a nice touch, but pre-ground is fine too.
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – For garnish and a pop of color. My family loves when I add extra!

Here’s a Shrimp Alfredo trick that saved my sanity: Keep frozen shrimp on hand. It thaws quickly and is perfect for those “I have no idea what to make for dinner” moments.

No worries if you don’t have heavy cream – I use half-and-half all the time in my Shrimp Alfredo. It’s not quite as rich, but it still tastes amazing! For another great dish that utilizes seafood check out this Spiced Shrimp with Roasted Honeynut Squash for more dinner inspiration.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get this Shrimp Alfredo show on the road! Remember, it’s okay if things get a little messy. That’s just part of the fun!

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile! Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside. Don’t rinse it.
2. Cook the shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Don’t burn the garlic! Here’s where I used to mess up my Shrimp Alfredo – don’t make my mistake! Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This Shrimp Alfredo should smell amazing by now! If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of pasta water to thin it out.
4. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Don’t panic if your Shrimp Alfredo looks a little clumpy at first. Just keep stirring, and it will all come together.
5. Serve immediately: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. And that’s it. You’ve created a delicious Shrimp Alfredo.

In my chaotic kitchen, this Shrimp Alfredo usually takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. While your Shrimp Alfredo is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! Don’t be afraid to improvise. If you want to add some veggies, go for it! Broccoli, peas, or spinach would all be delicious in this Shrimp Alfredo.

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this Shrimp Alfredo when I serve it with garlic bread and a simple side salad. It’s the perfect comfort food meal that everyone enjoys.

This Shrimp Alfredo is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and satisfying. I also love making it for casual get-togethers with friends. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Presentation-wise, I like to keep it simple. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese are all you need to make this Shrimp Alfredo look extra special.

We rarely have leftovers (because it’s so good!), but if we do, I love to reheat them for lunch the next day. The sauce thickens up a bit, but it’s still delicious. You can also use leftover Shrimp Alfredo to make a creamy baked pasta dish. Just toss it with some extra cheese and bake until bubbly. You can find a similar and best Shrimp Alfredo recipe here.

In the summer, I like to add some grilled corn and cherry tomatoes to this Shrimp Alfredo for a fresh and seasonal twist. My husband prefers his with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

My guests always rave about how creamy and flavorful this Shrimp Alfredo is. They’re always surprised at how easy it is to make!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, Mom Tribe, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about making Shrimp Alfredo.

Can my picky eater handle this Shrimp Alfredo?

Honestly, it depends on your picky eater! The creamy sauce is usually a hit, but you can always start with a small portion and let them try it. You can also try cutting the shrimp into smaller pieces or leaving it out altogether.

What if I burn my Shrimp Alfredo? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

Been there, done that! If you burn the garlic, start over. There’s no salvaging burnt garlic. If you burn the sauce, try transferring it to a clean pot and adding a little bit of milk or cream to thin it out and mask the burnt flavor.

Can I make this Shrimp Alfredo ahead for meal prep?

Yes, you can! The sauce will thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a little bit of milk or cream when you reheat it. I recommend cooking the pasta fresh, but you can definitely make the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time.

What kind of shrimp should I use for Shrimp Alfredo?

I usually use medium-sized shrimp, but any size will work. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before cooking.

Can I use a different type of cheese in Shrimp Alfredo?

Parmesan cheese is the classic choice, but you can also use Romano or Asiago cheese. A combination of cheeses would also be delicious.

Can I add vegetables to this Shrimp Alfredo recipe?

Absolutely! Broccoli, peas, spinach, mushrooms, and asparagus are all great additions. Just add them to the skillet when you cook the garlic and shrimp.

How do I store leftover Shrimp Alfredo?

Store leftover Shrimp Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave.

I’ve had readers ask if you can substitute the shrimp for scallops and the answer is a resounding yes! This is a versatile Seafood Alfredo recipe you can make your own!

Final Thoughts:

This Shrimp Alfredo is special to our family because it’s a meal that everyone enjoys, and it’s so easy to make. It’s my go-to recipe when I need a quick and satisfying dinner that I know the kids will actually eat. This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a great solution for dinner.

Here are a few My Shrimp Alfredo Mom Hacks to make your life even easier:

• Use pre-cooked shrimp: This cuts down on cooking time significantly.
• Make a big batch of Alfredo sauce: Freeze any leftovers for future meals.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice: This brightens up the flavor of the sauce.

Here are a few family-tested Shrimp Alfredo variations:

• Spicy Shrimp Alfredo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
• Creamy Pesto Shrimp Alfredo: Swirl in a spoonful of pesto for a burst of flavor.

My son loves the spicy Shrimp Alfredo, while my daughter prefers the creamy pesto version. My husband is happy with any Shrimp Alfredo as long as it’s on the table! If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Fellow kitchen warriors, I hope this recipe helps you conquer the 5 PM panic and create a delicious and stress-free meal for your family. You got this! Give this Shrimp Alfredo a try – you might just find your new family favorite!

 

Print