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Quick 15-Minute Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Quick 15-Minute Shrimp Alfredo Pasta - featured image
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A fast and easy shrimp Alfredo pasta recipe that delivers creamy, garlicky sauce with perfectly cooked shrimp, ready in under 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (100 g)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • Salted water for boiling
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and paprika if using.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and let melt.
  5. Toss in 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  6. Slowly pour in 1 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer (not a boil).
  7. Gradually add 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Stir in juice from half a lemon and a pinch of red pepper flakes. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen.
  9. Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat evenly with sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to warm through.
  10. Transfer to plates or serving bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Dry shrimp thoroughly before cooking to get a good sear. Cook shrimp in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Add Parmesan cheese gradually to avoid clumping. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid high heat to prevent cream from curdling. Reheat leftovers gently with added cream or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp alfredo, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, creamy shrimp pasta, 15-minute meal, garlic butter sauce, family dinner

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/quick-15-minute-shrimp-alfredo-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-guide/