Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich & Creamy – A luscious homemade Alfredo sauce with cream cheese and mozzarella.
- Restaurant-Quality – Tastes just like a dish from your favorite Italian restaurant.
- Customizable – Use your preferred pasta and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Kid-Friendly – A cheesy, creamy pasta dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese or three-cheese blend
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Alfredo Base
- In a blender or with a hand mixer, blend the milk, cream cheese, flour, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 3-5 minutes, until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan, leaving the garlic and butter drippings.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce
- Pour the milk mixture into the pan with the garlic butter. Stir constantly for 4 minutes over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer and continue stirring for about 6 more minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese & Shrimp
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the grated mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Add the cooked shrimp back into the sauce and let it sit for another 5 minutes.
- Serve
- Toss the Alfredo sauce with cooked fettuccine or your pasta of choice.
- Garnish with dried parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap – Replace shrimp with chicken, scallops, or even salmon.
- Extra Spice – Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for a kick.
- Veggie Boost – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: The sauce can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them in cold water before cooking.
2. What pasta works best with Alfredo sauce?
Fettuccine is a classic choice, but you can use any pasta like penne or linguine.
3. How do I prevent my sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly to ensure smoothness.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store the sauce separately and reheat it when ready to serve.
5. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Heavy cream or a combination of butter and Parmesan can work as a substitute.
6. Can I make it without flour?
Yes, but the sauce may be thinner. You can use cornstarch instead for thickening.
7. How can I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta and replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
8. Does this dish reheat well?
Yes, just reheat gently and add a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.
9. Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extra Parmesan or your favorite cheese blend.
10. What side dishes pair well with this?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are great options.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo is a quick and easy meal that brings restaurant flavors to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. With creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite. Try it for your next family dinner and enjoy the rich, comforting taste
