This Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is creamy and comforting, featuring juicy shrimp tossed in a rich, cheesy sauce over fettuccine pasta. Yum!
Making this dish is like bringing a piece of Olive Garden home! I love adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top because, let’s face it, more cheese is always better! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fettuccine Pasta: This pasta shape is traditional for Alfredo, but you can use other pastas like linguine or even spaghetti if you prefer. Gluten-free pasta works too if you’re avoiding gluten.
Shrimp: Large shrimp are the way to go for this dish. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute with grilled chicken or even sautĂ©ed veggies for a vegetarian twist.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead, but the sauce will be less creamy. Coconut cream also can be a dairy-free option!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute. Nutritional yeast can work as a dairy-free option.
Garlic: I love using fresh garlic for its vibrant taste. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work too, but use it sparingly—about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove.
How Do I Get the Sauce Just Right?
Making the Alfredo sauce can be tricky! The key is in the timing and heat. Here’s how to nail it:
- Once you sautĂ© the garlic, watch closely—don’t let it burn! If it does, you’ll need to start over.
- When you add the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer. This helps it thicken without curdling.
- Stir in the cheese off the heat to get a smooth consistency. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little pasta water to loosen it up.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a deliciously creamy Alfredo sauce every time!
How to Make Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: garlic bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Shrimp Alfredo takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 15 minutes cooking the fettuccine and shrimp, while the rest of the time goes into making that delightful creamy sauce and tossing everything together. Quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Fettuccine:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This is your base for the dish!
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sautĂ© it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
4. Create the Alfredo Sauce:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
5. Add Cheese and Seasonings:
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and forms a smooth sauce. Add salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat!
6. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together to ensure that the pasta and shrimp are well-coated in that luscious creamy sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your Shrimp Alfredo with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve it immediately for the best flavor—don’t forget the garlic bread on the side for a truly delightful meal!
Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo—a creamy, dreamy pasta dish loaded with tender shrimp that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or by submerging them in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter. For a lighter option, you can use whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the shrimp and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli instead. You can still enjoy the creamy Alfredo sauce with your vegetable mix!
