Shrimp Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, served over tender pasta.

This luxurious and indulgent meal is perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, or simply when you’re in the mood for something comforting and delicious.

The combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and cream creates a sauce that beautifully complements the delicate flavor of the shrimp. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to make a perfect Shrimp Alfredo, ensuring a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Ingredients

For the Alfredo Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine
• Salt, for pasta water

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Shrimp Alfredo

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

    Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Ensure the shrimp are well coated with the seasonings.

    Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

    Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

    Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used for the shrimp, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.

    Add Cream and Milk: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reducing the heat to low.

    Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to taste.

    Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

    Mix Together: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and shrimp are well coated with the sauce.

    Heat Through: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat to ensure everything is heated through and well combined.

Step 5: Serve

    Plate the Dish: Divide the Shrimp Alfredo among serving plates or bowls.

    Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese for a touch of color and flavor.

    Serve Immediately: Enjoy the Shrimp Alfredo while it’s hot and fresh.

Chef’s Notes

    Choosing Shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe, as they provide a more substantial bite and better texture. Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used, but if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

    Homemade Alfredo Sauce: Making Alfredo sauce from scratch is simple and results in a much richer and creamier dish compared to store-bought versions. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

    Pasta Cooking Tips: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot Alfredo sauce. Reserving some pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

    Seasoning Variations: Feel free to customize the seasonings in the Alfredo sauce or on the shrimp. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, or you can experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano.

    Make-Ahead Tips: While Shrimp Alfredo is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before combining with the pasta to serve.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 285mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Potassium: 400mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Vitamin A: 1200IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 400mg
• Iron: 4mg

Conclusion

Shrimp Alfredo is a comforting and luxurious dish that is sure to satisfy any pasta lover. The creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with the tender shrimp and pasta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This recipe is straightforward to make, yet impressive enough to serve for special occasions.

Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself to a gourmet meal, Shrimp Alfredo is a timeless classic that never disappoints. Enjoy the rich, decadent flavors and the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.

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