Creamy shrimp alfredo pasta on a plate with a fork beside it

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This Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccini is a major comfort food. There’s just something about a mountain of pasta consumed by rich creamy sauce, and studded with large, tender shrimp that has my name written all over it. It reminds me of my favorite dish at Olive Garden; seafood Alfredo.

I sent some leftovers of this pasta to my sisters house and she called me soon after to ask if I had posted it on my blog yet, adding, “This is better than any restaurant Alfredo I’ve ever tried!” It’s a winner.

Not to mention, the price you pay for 1 plate of this at Olive Garden could feed a family of six. It’s also surprisingly easy to make and is ready in under 30 minutes. My son LOVES it and I don’t have to remind him 100 times to take another bite.

Watch How to Make Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta:

Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta:

3/4 lb fettuccine or penne pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 Tbsp oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 Tbsp butter
1 garlic clove
1/3 cup white wine (I used Ste Chapelle Chardonay ~$6)*
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
S&P to taste
Sprinkle of paprika
Parsley or basil for garnish if desired

Shrimp Alfredo-9

*Want to Substitute the Wine?

No problem! Omit the white wine and squeeze some lemon juice into the sauce after adding the cream, adding the lemon juice to taste (about 1/2 medium lemon) then season to taste with salt, pepper and paprika. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice, not concentrate.

How to make Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta:

1. Cook 3/4 lb fettuccini noodles in salted water according to package instructions and drain. Don’t rinse (this helps the sauce stick to the noodles better).

2. Lightly season shrimp with salt, pepper and paprika. Preheat a large skillet to med/high and add 1 Tbsp oil. Once oil is hot, add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1-2 min per side or just until fully cooked and no longer translucent. They should be golden/pink on the outside and opaque white on the inside. Don’t over-do it or they will be rubbery. Remove shrimp to a separate bowl.

Two photos of shrimp in a skillet in one they are cooked in another raw

3. In same pan, over medium/high heat, add 2 Tbsp butter and onion and sauté onion till golden. Stir in garlic and sauté another minute. Stir in 1/3 cup white wine and reduce to 25% scraping the bottom to deglaze the pan.

Three photos of skillets with onions and garlic being sautéed

4.Stir in Cream and simmer for 2 min. Next, sprinkle the top with 1/3 cup parmesan (or add to taste) and stir just until creamy and smooth and remove from heat. Don’t boil or the cheese will separate from the cream. Add about 1/4 tsp paprika and season with S&P to taste.

Two photos of alfredo sauce being prepared

5. Add the cooked shrimp and drained (un-rinsed pasta). Garnish with parsley, basil, extra parmesan or freshly cracked pepper if desired.

Two photos of alfredo sauce in a saucepan with shrimp and pasta being added to it

A plate of creamy shrimp alfredo pasta with a fork beside it

Shrimp Alfredo-4-3

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe

4.94 from 293 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Creamy shrimp alfredo pasta on a plate with a fork beside it
This Shrimp Fettuccine Aflredo is a major comfort food. There's just something about a mountain of pasta consumed by rich creamy sauce, and studded with large, tender shrimp that has my name written all over it. It reminds me of my favorite dish at Olive Garden; seafood alfredo. It's also surprisingly easy to make; ready in under 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 people
  • 3/4 lb fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 Tbsp oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/3 cup white wine, I used Ste Chapelle Chardonay ~$6
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
  • S&P to taste
  • Sprinkle of paprika
  • Parsley or basil for garnish if desired

Instructions

  • Cook 3/4 lb fettuccini noodles in salted water according to package instructions and drain. Don't rinse (this helps the sauce stick to the noodles better).
  • Lightly season shrimp with salt, pepper and paprika. Preheat a large skillet to med/high and add 1 Tbsp oil. Once oil is hot, add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1-2 min per side or just until fully cooked and no longer translucent. They should be golden/pink on the outside and opaque white on the inside. Don't over-do it or they will be rubbery. Remove shrimp to a separate bowl.
  • In same pan, over medium/high heat, add 2 Tbsp butter and onion and sauté onion till golden. Stir in garlic and sauté another minute. Stir in 1/3 cup white wine and reduce to 25% scraping the bottom to deglaze the pan.
  • Stir in Cream and simmer for 2 min. Next, sprinkle the top with 1/3 cup parmesan (or add to taste) and stir just until creamy and smooth and remove from heat. Don't boil or the cheese will separate from the cream. Add about 1/4 tsp paprika and season with S&P to taste.
  • Add the cooked shrimp and drained (un-rinsed pasta). Garnish with parsley, basil, extra parmesan or freshly cracked pepper if desired.

Nutrition Per Serving

647kcal Calories45g Carbs28g Protein39g Fat23g Saturated Fat3g Polyunsaturated Fat11g Monounsaturated Fat0.2g Trans Fat273mg Cholesterol214mg Sodium458mg Potassium2g Fiber4g Sugar1362IU Vitamin A2mg Vitamin C194mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
647
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
39
g
60
%
Saturated Fat
 
23
g
144
%
Trans Fat
 
0.2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
11
g
Cholesterol
 
273
mg
91
%
Sodium
 
214
mg
9
%
Potassium
 
458
mg
13
%
Carbohydrates
 
45
g
15
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
28
g
56
%
Vitamin A
 
1362
IU
27
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
194
mg
19
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 647
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
This recipe reminds me of my favorite dish at Olive Garden; seafood alfredo. The creamy pasta studded with large, tender shrimp is the ultimate comfort food! |natashaskitchen
4.94 from 293 votes (105 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Mia
    November 2, 2014

    This came out great except for a lot of the Parmesan which ended up clumping together. I had to remove the clumped parts. I’ve made a similar recipe before, with the exact same Parmesan, so I don’t get what went wrong here. Any way, turned out well even though a clump of Parmesan was missing. I seasoned my shrimps before hand with seasoning salt, garlic, paprika and cumin. I also added a loooooot more fresh garlic to the mix.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 2, 2014

      Did you use the same amount of parmesan per the recipe? Some things that may help: Did you sprinkle it over the top or add it in one heap? Also, sometimes if you over-cook the sauce, it may clump. Did you make sure to include butter? – that seems to help with preventing clumping.

      Reply

  • Silas
    October 30, 2014

    I have been making mainly chicken alfrado, I love and so does my girlfriend, alfrado. is one of our favorites foods. This recipe seems very tasty with shrimp. Natasha do you buy the shimp in a package already frozen? Are those shrimps ok? or do you buy them fresh?
    Also I never added white wine to my sauce, I’ll have to give that a try. I always add a touch of honey and it really gives the sauce a great flavor. Also I use a little oregano..Mmm mm tasty. thanks for the recipe, i’ll do this weekend and give you feedback. cant wait to make it.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 30, 2014

      Thank you for sharing your honey and oregano tips! The white wine gives the sauce really nice flavor. I buy fresh or frozen; I just thaw in cold water and pat them dry with papertowels before using them. It doesn’t make a difference.

      Reply

  • Alina
    October 15, 2014

    Just finished making this! Thank you for the post! Something I add when I make Alfredo is diced tomatoes. It is different but so good. Makes this dish a little bit healthier too! 😉

    Reply

  • Maria Kollision
    October 13, 2014

    This is a really great alfredo sauce! The wine and paprika bring some nice flavor play to the experience. I put this over spaghetti squash, mixed vegetables, and chunked salmon with dill. So good — thank you for sharing! 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 14, 2014

      Oh goodness that sounds so good over all of those things. I want all of it on my plate right now! 🙂

      Reply

  • Lina
    October 12, 2014

    Naughty!! Lol. Up at 5am. I read every review/reply, we bought fresh shrimp yesterday. But was to lazy to cook lol. So am making this tonight with a side of king crab no salad. *oink* I also love the looks of the salmon kabob recipe you pinned! We normally eat fresh salmon once a week. So that will be a nice change. If I gain weight, I’m totally gonna blame it on you!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 12, 2014

      Oink? lol. Seriously I just laughed. King crab salad sounds crazy good! If you have a great recipe, please share! 🙂

      Reply

      • Lina
        October 13, 2014

        No recipe really. I just steam my crab legs in a little butter, about a half cup of white wine a clove or 2 of garlic for 3 minutes. Take the shell off drizzle the wine sauce on the crab meat and add to my salad greens. Shave parmesan and cracked pepper on top.So good!! A drizzle of balsamic vingerette is all that’s needed. (Besides things you want in your salad like english cucumbers and such.) Btw, your shrimp Alfredo rocked!!

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          October 13, 2014

          Lina thank you so much for sharing! That sounds incredible and simple. I love those kind of recipes :). I’m so happy you enjoyed the alfredo!

          Reply

  • Brandy
    October 9, 2014

    This was perfect, followed to the letter and the process is exactly as should be for any successful restaurant recipe sauce I’ve ever tried. Thank you for sharing this is a keeper. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 9, 2014

      You’re so welcome and thank YOU for such a great review! You are awesome!

      Reply

      • patriciag
        October 10, 2014

        I think I want to take cooking classes from you. This look great. I wish you could send food through mail lol

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          October 10, 2014

          Thank you so much for the sweet compliment 🙂

          Reply

  • liliya nozdratenko
    October 9, 2014

    i like this recipe.. i add like 2-3 pounds of shripms becuase 1 pound is not enough for my husband

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 9, 2014

      Ha ha, that sounds like my husband too! 😉

      Reply

  • Kilyena
    October 6, 2014

    HI Natasha! I found this recipe when looking for a creamy pasta and shrimp recipe. It was delicious! Since it was a special occasion I used Parmigiano-Reggiano that I shaved/grated myself, since this meal was for my grown daughter’s birthday. She requested something with shrimp and pasta. I didn’t want a dry sauce so this recipe got my attention. Next time I will try it with regular grated parmesan cheese and see how that works.

    I have found over the years when adding milk or cream to a hot recipe, it’s best to remove it from the heat for a minute and then add, that way it doesn’t curdle or separate. Then add back to a low heat setting.

    I add extra cheese but otherwise I followed the recipe exactly. I had the whole family over for dinner so I doubled the recipe. They all really liked it. I served it with a caesar salad and french rolls and a nice dry white wine. Everyone wanted leftovers to take home lol. Thanks for a delicious recipe. I will be making this again!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 6, 2014

      Thank you so much for sharing your milk tip! That totally makes sense! I’m so glad it was a big success for you and everyone wanted to take home leftovers! That is the best!

      Reply

  • destiny joye
    October 5, 2014

    that look so good.I might try it so day.

    Reply

  • T
    September 28, 2014

    I made this dish today and it was amazing. Thank you! P.s. I added brocolli

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 28, 2014

      Mmm broccoli sounds brilliant! I’m so happy you liked it 🙂

      Reply

  • Wilma
    September 27, 2014

    lovely

    Reply

  • Liya
    September 27, 2014

    Made it for lunch today. My first time cooking/ tasting shrimp. It turned out delicious!! My husband was really surprised 🙂 thank you Natasha for this recipe! It’s easy and delicious

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 27, 2014

      Oh I’m so happy you both enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply

  • Jessi
    September 16, 2014

    Made this last night and it was so good! Definitely going to make it again and try it with chicken instead. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 16, 2014

      Jessi, you are very welcome and thank you for the great report :).

      Reply

  • Chris
    September 10, 2014

    Outstanding! I had not added wine to my alfredo sauce before…I will never leave it out again. Oh…and paprika 🙂 I added in some mushrooms with the garlic, added a little cornstarch just prior to adding the cream (half-n-half actually, didn’t have whipping cream) to maintain consistency for leftovers, and tossed in some sliced black olives at the end. Making your orange chicken tonight. And trying kotlety this weekend. Keep on cooking!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 11, 2014

      Your pasta sounds delicious! 🙂 Mushrooms and garlic are a great add-in! Thanks for sharing 😉

      Reply

  • amy smith
    August 30, 2014

    I made this tonight and let me tell ya.. OMG!!!!!! So gooood!! Thank you for this recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 30, 2014

      Awesome!!! 🙂

      Reply

  • deja
    August 27, 2014

    For the parmessan cheese do you use grated or the powder form?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 27, 2014

      I used grated Parmesan cheese :).

      Reply

  • Connie Smock
    August 26, 2014

    Cant wait to try this!

    Reply

  • Kristina
    August 23, 2014

    Natasha wow amazing recipe for this meal it was so yummy the whole family loved it and my kids asked for seconds being how much they loved it. thanks for sharing

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 24, 2014

      I’m so happy to hear you liked it 🙂

      Reply

  • Jessica
    August 10, 2014

    We had this tonight, it was a very simple and wonderful tasting dish. We do not drink so we skipped the wine, and added more cheeses ( of course) it was very good!! My husband had two helpings, and my daughter cleaned her plate. I will be keeping this on in my recipe box. 🙂 Thank you for this recipe

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 10, 2014

      We don’t drink either, I just use it in my cooking :). I’m so happy you all enjoyed the recipe! That’s music to my ears 🙂

      Reply

  • 11mjsmommy
    July 30, 2014

    I just made this for dinner. It was delicious, and my family loved it (even my picky 3-year-old). I’m looking forward to trying other recipes!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 30, 2014

      That’s fantastic! I’m so happy to hear that your family loved it (especially a picky 3-yr old!) 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing that.

      Reply

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