In this Easy Shrimp Alfredo, juicy shrimp, tender pasta, and vegetables are all mixed together in a rich Parmesan sauce.
Trevor makes me this easy shrimp alfredo every year on our anniversary. Not only is this pasta dish, ahem, easy, it’s impressive and just overall my favorite thing ever. It has shrimp, penne that is just right, and an alfredo sauce that you can make as creamy or spicy as you like.
Hey, check out the video below. It shows you how easy this recipe really is and also has footage from our Maui engagement!
Creamy, cheesy shrimp alfredo is a favorite pasta dish for many. Using a quality jarred alfredo sauce makes whipping up this restaurant-worthy meal easy and quick on busy weeknights. With just a few additional ingredients, you can have a decadent plate of pasta on the table in under 30 minutes.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the simple steps for how to make fantastic shrimp alfredo using ready-made alfredo sauce from a jar. With just six ingredients and a few easy cooking steps, you’ll have a rich and delicious pasta dinner the whole family will love.
Benefits of Using Jarred Alfredo Sauce
Opting for jarred alfredo sauce offers several advantages:
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Saves time – No need to make sauce from scratch Just open, heat, and serve over pasta
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Provides consistency – Jarred sauce has a reliable creamy texture and flavor every time.
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Easy storage – Sealed jars have a long shelf life in the pantry before opening.
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Adds convenience – Ready when you need it for spur-of-the-moment meals.
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Allows customization – Easy to tweak flavor with add-ins like shrimp, veggies, herbs.
With so many perks, it’s easy to see why jarred alfredo is a go-to for quick and easy weeknight pasta dishes.
Tips for Choosing Jarred Alfredo Sauce
Look for jars with:
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Quality ingredients – Cheese, cream, butter, Parmesan
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Natural flavors – Avoid artificial additives
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Smooth consistency – Not too thin or overly thick
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Balanced seasoning – Flavorful but not overpowering
Popular name brand and store brand options include Bertolli, Ragu, Prego, and Trader Joe’s. Choose traditional alfredo instead of versions with other flavors added.
Easy Shrimp Alfredo Ingredients
The beauty of this dish is that it requires just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 box fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 12-16 ounces ready-made alfredo sauce (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
That’s it – you likely have most of these ingredients already on hand!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps for how to make perfect shrimp alfredo pasta:
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Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté shrimp: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook 3-4 minutes until pink. Remove shrimp to a plate.
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Heat sauce: Add jarred alfredo sauce to the skillet. Heat through over medium-low, stirring frequently.
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Toss pasta: Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste and add salt, pepper, or Parmesan as desired.
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Serve: Portion pasta into bowls. Garnish with parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Variations and Add-Ins
Once you master the basics, try these tasty twists:
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Swap in chicken or scallops for the shrimp.
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Sauté mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes to add in.
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Stir in a spoonful of pesto for herby flavor.
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Top with crispy bacon crumbles or broiled shrimp.
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Mix in chili flakes or cajun seasoning for a kick.
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Substitute gluten-free or plant-based pasta varieties.
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Serve with chopped herbs, lemon wedges, or Parmesan.
The possibilities are endless! Use your favorite add-ins to customize the dish to satisfy any craving or dietary need.
Cooking and Serving Tips
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Undercook the pasta slightly to avoid mushiness when tossed with the sauce.
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For best flavor, look for sauce made with real cheese, not powdered mixes.
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Resist overcooking the shrimp or they will become rubbery. Just until pink.
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If the sauce seems thick, stir in a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to thin.
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Letting the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving allows flavors to blend.
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Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Shrimp Alfredo FAQs
Get answers to some common questions about making this classic pasta dish:
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, thaw beforehand and pat dry. Cook same as fresh.
Should I use fettuccine or linguine? Either works well. Fettuccine is a bit thicker.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead? Yes. Make sauce up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.
Can I use broccoli instead of shrimp? Absolutely. Cook florets until tender but still crisp.
Should I add pasta water to the sauce? A splash of starchy water helps thin and bind the sauce.
How long does this meal take to make? Approximately 25-30 minutes from start to finish.
An Easy, Satisfying Pasta Meal
Now you’re ready to enjoy restaurant-quality shrimp alfredo in minutes using just a few ingredients and a time-saving jarred sauce shortcut. Personalize the dish to suit your taste and mood. Simple, fast, and full of cheesy alfredo flavor, this pasta dinner will become a regular menu item that makes your weeknights easier.
How do you thaw frozen shrimp?
I think you should follow the directions on the shrimp package. Most of them will say to put the package in cool water for 10 to 30 minutes or in the fridge overnight.
What to serve with easy shrimp alfredo
All you need is some bread and a salad and you’ve got yourself a complete meal. Don’t forget the dessert!.
- Switch the pasta. Don’t like penne? Use any other type of pasta you like, like bow tie, fettuccine, or something else.
- Try another protein. Instead of shrimp, try sausage, grilled chicken, or even tofu.
- Make homemade alfredo. If you have some extra time, try making my alfredo sauce at home.
- Swap the cheese. You can use parmesan, asiago, or a mix of the three if you can’t find romano.
- Use other seasonings. It would be fun to change things up by adding Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, or parsley. Or, check out my Cajun Shrimp Pasta!
Cooled leftovers will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing the leftovers.
To enjoy again, heat in the microwave until warm. Add a splash of heavy cream if the pasta has dried out.
