Shrimp Alfredo

The two secrets to our shrimp Alfredo recipe are real Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (which is more expensive in the grocery store but leaps and bounds higher in quality and flavor) and two strips of lemon peel. Slowly sprinkling the cheese into a hot liquid while you whisk creates a creamy and powerfully complex Alfredo sauce, and the lemon peel releases its oils into the sauce as it cooks, adding a subtle citrus note.

Finished with the heat of cracked black pepper and the crisp freshness of chopped parsley, this shrimp Alfredo balances the fresh, sweet, and juicy flavor of shrimp, parsley, lemon with the deeper flavors of garlic and Parmigiano-Reggiano. It's a recipe designed to boost your cooking confidence and forever raise the bar for what you expect from a shrimp Alfredo.

Learn how to make shrimp Alfredo, and impress your family with this restaurant-quality dinner at home.

What Is Alfredo Sauce?

Alfredo sauce is a creamy, decadent pasta sauce that originated in Italy. Classically made with only butter and Parmesan cheese, it's a luscious sauce with a velvety texture, often paired with flat, wide pasta noodles like fettuccini or pappardelle.

The famous fettuccini Alfredo is said to have been invented by Alfredo di Lelio, of Rome, Italy, who created the dish in the early 20th century. He assembled the dish tableside in his restaurant, creating a show of mixing the hot pasta with butter and cheese until the sauce emulsified and thickened. A slew of American actors were photographed enjoying the dish, and it took off in the United States, where the preparation began to include heavy cream or eggs to thicken the sauce, as well as proteins like chicken or seafood.

Ingredients for Shrimp Alfredo

Just eight ingredients are needed to make this decadent seafood pasta dish. To make shrimp Alfredo, you'll need:

• Pappardelle pasta: Pasta with a wide surface area to give the sauce something to cling to. Can substitute with fettuccini or other types of flat noodles.
• Butter: Adds richness for a flavorful, velvety sauce.
• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, with tails removed. Can use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp.
• Whole milk: For a smooth, creamy sauce. Can substitute with half-and-half for extra richness.
• Egg yolk: Helps bind and thicken the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a savory depth to the sauce.
• Lemon peel: Adds a citrusy brightness to the dish to balance the richness of the sauce.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano: A high-quality Parmesan cheese that's sharp, salty, and nutty in flavor.

How To Make Shrimp Alfredo

While this dish might seem difficult to prepare, the process is incredibly easy. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap:

• Step 1. Cook pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions to al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup pasta water.
• Step 2. Cook shrimp: Heat butter in a skillet; add shrimp and cook through. Remove from heat.
• Step 3. Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk to combine milk and egg yolk. Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Set aside.
• Step 4. Prepare pasta: Melt remaining butter in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add milk mixture and lemon peel; cook, whisking until foamy. Sprinkle in 1 cup grated cheese; cook until slightly thickened. Remove lemon peel. Toss in pasta to coat. Add remaining cheese and toss until melted. Adjust consistency with pasta water, if needed.
• Step 5. Assemble and serve: Remove pasta from heat. Add shrimp and season with pepper. Garnish with cheese and parsley and serve.

Variations for Shrimp Alfredo

Give shrimp Alfredo a unique twist with these additions:

• Veggies: Toss in cooked broccoli florets, spinach, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes for a colorful, nutrient-rich addition.
• Herbs: Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley, basil, or chives.
• Heat: For a little heat, stir in or garnish with red pepper flakes.
• Meaty bite: Add a rich touch with crisp bacon or pancetta.
• Additional protein: Boost the dish with the addition of lobster or chicken.
• Nutty crunch: Add toasted pine nuts for a nutty flavor and light crunch.

Whether you decide to prepare this dish as written, or give it your own spin, make sure to serve it hot for the ideal texture and creamiest sauce.

What To Serve with Shrimp Alfredo

Pair shrimp Alfredo with garlic bread, a simple salad, roasted or sautéed vegetables, a Caprese salad, roasted cherry tomatoes, or your favorite veggie side dish. And of course, don't forget the white wine.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Shrimp Alfredo

Refrigerate leftover shrimp Alfredo in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat on the stovetop until hot throughout, adding a splash of milk to adjust the consistency, if needed. The shrimp should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. You can also reheat small portions in the microwave.

More Seafood Pasta Recipes You'll Love

If seafood pasta is on your list of favorite dishes, these shrimp, salmon, and lobster recipes are definitely worth holding on to:

• Cajun Shrimp Boil Pasta
• Creamy Pesto-and-Shrimp Penne with Peas
• Easy Shrimp Scampi with Basil
• Lobster Mac and Cheese
• Shrimp Destin Linguine
• Shrimp and Peas Farfalle
• Shrimp Scampi Linguine
• Lemon-Pepper Shrimp Scampi Pasta
• Creamy Salmon Fettuccini and Spring Vegetables
• Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Cream Sauce

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.