Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo (20-Minute Recipe)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Silky smooth homemade Alfredo (no lumps!)
✔ Plump, garlicky shrimp cooked to perfection
✔ Faster than delivery (ready in 20 mins)
✔ No heavy cream needed (milk works great)
✔ Endlessly customizable with veggies or proteins
Ingredients
Serves 4
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- ½ cup butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 12 oz fettuccine
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup parsley (chopped)
- Extra parmesan
- Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta (8 mins)
- Bring salted water to boil (tastes like the sea!)
- Cook fettuccine 1 minute less than package directs
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining
2. Sauté the Shrimp (5 mins)
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt/pepper
- Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes – sauté 30 sec
- Cook shrimp 1-2 mins per side until pink
- Remove shrimp and set aside
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce (7 mins)
- In same skillet, melt butter over medium
- Sauté garlic 30 seconds (don’t brown!)
- Whisk in milk slowly until smooth
- Simmer 3 mins to slightly thicken
- Reduce heat to low, gradually whisk in parmesan
- Add nutmeg and pepper
- Too thick? Add pasta water 1 tbsp at a time
4. Combine Everything (2 mins)
- Add drained pasta to sauce, toss to coat
- Fold in cooked shrimp
- Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan
Pro Tips for Perfection
🔥 For richer sauce: Substitute ½ cup milk with heavy cream
🧄 Garlic lovers: Roast garlic first for deeper flavor
🍋 Brighten it up: Add lemon zest at the end
🧀 Best cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan (not pre-shredded)
Variations
- Cajun Shrimp Alfredo: Add 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach or mushrooms
- Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of butter
Serving Suggestions
🥗 Caesar salad
🍞 Garlic bread
🥂 Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
Calories: 720 | Protein: 38g | Carbs: 55g | Fat: 38g
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Thaw in cold water first and pat VERY dry.
Q: How to prevent clumpy sauce?
A: Remove from heat before adding cheese and whisk constantly.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Sauce keeps 2 days (reheat with milk/water). Cook pasta fresh.
Why This Beats Restaurant Alfredo
✅ No preservatives or thickeners
✅ Adjustable creaminess to your taste
✅ Twice the shrimp most restaurants use
✅ Half the price of dining out
One bite and you’ll never order Alfredo out again! 🍤🍝
