Name: 30 Minute Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz fresh or frozen peeled and deveined shrimp; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); 3 tbsp butter; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese; 8 oz fettuccine pasta; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a rich, comforting meal that comes together in no time, this 30 Minute Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo is your new best friend in the kitchen. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish delivers creamy, indulgent comfort that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines succulent shrimp with garlicky, cheesy sauce over tender pasta, making each bite a little celebration. Prepare to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with ingredients that bring out fresh, satisfying flavors every time.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Air Fryer Paper Liners

Buy Now →

Vegetable Chopper

Buy Now →

Magic Bullet Blender

Buy Now →

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight but taste still matters.
Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, cheese, and alfredo sauce makes every forkful irresistibly rich.
Nutritious Protein Punch: Shrimp adds lean protein and cooks quickly, making this dish both filling and healthy.
Comfort Food Classic: It hits that soothing, indulgent note without feeling heavy or overly complicated.
Customizable: Easily adapt it to suit different tastes or dietary preferences with simple variations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is essential to nailing this 30 Minute Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo. Each item plays a special role—from the garlic that adds zest, to the cheeses that bring creamy indulgence and texture to your plate.

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
Garlic: Minced garlic is the aromatic heart that infuses the sauce with bold flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps build the sauce base with a silky finish.
Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture essential for true Alfredo sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for sharp, nutty depth and creaminess.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly to add gooey cheese pull and extra cheesiness.
Fettuccine Pasta: Classic pasta choice; its flat strands hold the sauce well.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch adds a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
Fresh Parsley: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the dish.

Variations for 30 Minute Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo

This recipe is super flexible so you can make it your own. Whether you want to swap proteins, accommodate dietary needs, or simply experiment with flavors, these variations will inspire you.

Chicken Alfredo: Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken breast for a hearty twist.
Vegetarian Version: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini ribbons for a veggie-packed option.
Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles to keep it keto-friendly.
Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a fiery touch.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

30 Minute Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

How to Make 30 Minute Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling salted water and cook the fettuccine pasta according to package directions until al dente. Save a cup of pasta water before draining to use later for adjusting sauce consistency.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then add shrimp, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creaminess is reached. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Pasta

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss in the drained pasta and mix everything together until the noodles are fully coated and the shrimp is evenly distributed. Heat for another minute or so for flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the cheesy garlic shrimp Alfredo to plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making 30 Minute Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo

Choose Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh or properly thawed shrimp.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—once they turn pink and curl, remove from heat to avoid rubberiness.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheeses contain additives and won’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella.
Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps thin out the sauce without losing flavor or richness.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: Slowly add pasta water rather than cream to achieve your perfect sauce consistency.

How to Serve 30 Minute Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra shredded Parmesan, or a dash of cracked black pepper brighten up and complement the creamy dish wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli to add texture and balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual shallow bowls topped with a lemon wedge for added brightness or drizzle a little truffle oil over the top for a gourmet flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the Alfredo and shrimp to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best quality.

Freezing

This dish does not freeze well because creamy sauces tend to separate when thawed. It’s best to enjoy fresh or refrigerate and eat within a couple of days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce, stirring frequently to prevent curdling or sticking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.

What type of pasta works best for this Alfredo?

Fettuccine is classic because its wide strands hold the creamy sauce well, but linguine or tagliatelle are great alternatives too.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The traditional version is not due to the pasta, but you can easily use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

With substitutions like plant-based cream, vegan cheese, and meat alternatives instead of shrimp, you can create a vegan version that’s equally delicious.

How can I make this dish less rich?

Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce or omit some of the cheese for a lighter but still flavorful sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm plate of this 30 Minute Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo after a long day. It’s creamy, garlicky, and cheesy all at once, yet surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is a fail-safe way to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to dinner in your recipe rotation!