Spicy Shrimp Alfredo

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The addition of spicy shrimp to fettuccine alfredo turns basic alfredo into a hearty meal. Spicy Shrimp Alfredo is a great weeknight family meal.

Spicy Shrimp Alfredo

I love shrimp. It’s one of the few types of seafood that I actually eat. I grew up only having it battered and fried. However, as I’ve matured so have my taste buds and I really enjoy shrimp in many ways. I probably shouldn’t admit it, but one of my favorite shrimp dishes is shrimp scampi. I pack so much yummy garlic flavor into that little dish.

As I wrote on Instagram, I don’t force cooking on my kids, but they love to help. Whenever they ask to help my answer is always YES! Even when that means it will take longer or makes a bigger mess. And ast night my 15 year old daughter made my SPICY SHRIMP ALFREDO for supper and I couldn’t have done it any better. It was fantastic. {So I’ve updated this old post and added new photos.}

My family loves this spicy shrimp dish! It is full of flavor and just enough spice to kick it up a little from just a boring shrimp alfredo dish. If you are worried about the level of spiciness, go slow. Start with half of the seasoning and add a little more until you reach your comfort level. The kids wanted less seasoning, John thought it was perfect, and I wanted more. Funny how families work!

How to Make Shrimp Alfredo 

Honestly, this spicy shrimp alfredo can seem daunting, but I promise it’s easy. So easy that my 15 year old daughter made it all by herself for a weeknight family supper. 

How to Grill Shrimp

Grilling shrimp is super simple. Use skewers or a grill basket sprayed with non stick cooking spray. If placing the shrimp on directly on the grill then oil the grill before turning it on. Dip a folded paper towel in vegetable oil and use tongs to rub the towel over the cooking areal. Then, preheat grill to medium-high heat. Hold a folded paper towel with long thongs. Dip in vegetable oil and coat grill several times (helps prevent sticking) or use a grill basket, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Cook shrimp over direct heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.

What Sides Goes With Shrimp Alfredo

When I’m menu planning, I usually plan a salad or some roasted broccoli. A simple garden salad is perfect, but if I have broccoli in the freezer I will roast some up or throw it on the grill and then toss it in with the alfredo and shrimp.

Can You Freeze Shrimp Alfredo

This spicy shrimp alfredo makes a huge pot and definitely enough to feed 8 hungry adults. However, you really cannot freeze shrimp alfredo. The shrimp will become rubbery and the sauce will separate. It’s better to halve the recipe, eat it for leftovers the next day, or invite some friends over for supper.

Shrimp Alfredo Without Heavy Cream

If you are going to make Shrimp Alfredo, go all in. Use the good stuff. You won’t regret it. It’s definitely not a healthy dish, but it’s also not something I make every week or even every month.

However, my recipe uses half and half instead of heavy cream because I find it too heavy. And if half and half is too much for you, use whole milk. Anything else with less fat, just won’t be the same.

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Spicy Shrimp Alfredo

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Marinade Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

The addition of spicy grilled shrimp to fettuccine alfredo turns basic alfredo into a hearty meal.  Spicy Shrimp Alfredo is a great weeknight family meal.

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Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 teaspoon garlic olive oil (or use 1 tsp olive oil and 1 clove minced garlic)
• 1 lb (26/30) shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Alfredo Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 cups half and half
• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 1 lb fettuccine noodles

Instructions

1. In a 1 gallon plastic food bag, place shrimp and garlic olive oil. Combine brown sugar, paprika, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Add seasoning (reserve 1-2 teaspoons for later) blend to shrimp bag. Gently shake to make sure all the shrimp are coated. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to directions. Drain pasta and set aside (add a little oil to keep it from sticking, if it’s ready before the shrimp).
3. Meanwhile, in a large, heavy pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and minced garlic; cook, stirring for 1 minute. Reduce heat and while stirring constantly, gradually add half & half. Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a low simmer. Keep stirring frequently as sauce thickens (usually about 1 minute more). Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Taste! Adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, and garlic). Gradually stir in cream cheese and Parmesan. Add reserved shrimp seasoning
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Hold a folded paper towel with long thongs. Dip in vegetable oil and coat grill several times (helps prevent sticking) or use a grill basket, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Cook shrimp over direct heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Place noodles, sauce, and shrimp in a large serving bowl. Gently toss to combine.

Notes

Don't have a grill? Just cook the shrimp in a pan on the stovetop for a couple minutes on each side, remove from pan, clean pan, and make alfredo sauce.

Half & Half Alternatives: Heavy Cream and Whole Milk are great options.

Spicier Shrimp Seasoning: If you want your shrimp even spicier try a Cajun seasoning blend or add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to your shrimp seasoning.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 411Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 633mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 14g

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Here’s my original photo….not bad and totally delicious!