Classic Shrimp Alfredo
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This classic shrimp alfredo recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to please any crowd.
The creamy sauce and juicy shrimp pair perfectly together to create a masterpiece of Italian-style comfort food.
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The simple ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful dish that will have your guests asking for seconds.
The key to making this classic shrimp alfredo recipe is to take your time and let the flavors develop.
I like to serve mine with a side of garlic bread and a glass of white wine for a perfect Italian-inspired meal.
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Why do I love Classic Shrimp Alfredo?
- Restaurant quality
- Easy to make
- Mostly pantry-ready ingredients
- Great date-night meal
Love alfredo? Try these other Alfredo recipes:
- Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
- Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Cheesy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Skillet
How do you make classic jarred Alfredo sauce better?
By adding a few ingredients while pasta noodles are cooking, you can improve the flavor of jarred alfredo sauce if there is no time for making homemade sauce. Here are ideas for adding flavor to the jarred sauce:
- Sauté garlic and butter in a pan. Add in spinach, salt and pepper. Add jarred sauce and heat. After draining noodles toss into mixture. Sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the top of the noodle mixture.
- Add in your favorite fresh herbs or pesto.
- Infused oils with a touch of balsamic vinegar
Why is my Alfredo sauce not creamy?
By using a low-moisture cheese and stirring constantly when adding to the sauce until it is completely melted, you should be able to achieve a creamy alfredo sauce. Additionally, by adding a little butter or olive oil, the cheese may melt slower and prevent clumping.
Why does Alfredo sauce get oily the next day?
If reheating the alfredo sauce and it has separated, leaving it to look oily, that is called being broken. This could mean that the cream was added cold, or the alfredo was brought to a boil. It is best to be patient when reheating alfredo sauce. It should be slowly brought to a simmer and warmed through without boiling in a cast-iron or heavy bottom pan. To fix, whisk in a teaspoon or two of milk and see if this does the trick.
How to serve Classic Shrimp Alfredo?
This recipe can be served with a vegetable or side salad and crusty bread, breadsticks, or garlic knots.
Tips:
- Use a low-moisture cheese
- Do not boil the sauce
- Adding a little butter or olive oil when melting the cheese will slow the melting process to help with creaminess
- Stir constantly while making
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Omit the shrimp, add peas and herbs, and serve the pasta with crusty bread and a salad.
- Allergic to seafood: Substitute the shrimp with chicken.
Ingredients:
- Fettuccine pasta
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Shrimp
- Garlic
- Parsley
How To Make Classic Shrimp Alfredo
Step 1. Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions.
Step 2. Over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Add the cream and simmer for 4-5 minutes, until just thickened.
Whisk in the parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the cheese has melted. Season with salt and pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Step 3. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are opaque. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 4. Drain the pasta and toss with the alfredo sauce.
Place the shrimp on top, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
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Classic Shrimp Alfredo
Ingredients
- 10 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 5 tbsp butter, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
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Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions.
- Over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Add the cream and simmer for 4-5 minutes, until just thickened. Whisk in the parmesan cheese and stir continuously until cheese has melted. Season with salt and pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Melt remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are opaque. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Drain the pasta and toss with the alfredo sauce. Place the shrimp on top, garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition
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How to store Classic Shrimp Alfredo?
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to 3 days.
How to reheat Classic Shrimp Alfredo?
Patience with reheating! Do not bring the sauce to a boil while reheating. A cast-iron or heavy bottom pan is recommended. Slowly bring to a simmer, stir often, and heat through. Remove when warm and serve immediately.
How long does Classic Shrimp Alfredo last on the fridge?
Classic Shrimp Alfredo will last about 3 days in the refrigerator. Seafood should not be kept longer than 3 days.
Can I make Classic Shrimp Alfredo ahead?
It is not recommended to make ahead as the recipe is best enjoyed when made fresh and served.
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