There’s something irresistibly comforting about a creamy pasta dish loaded with garlic and juicy shrimp.

This cheesy garlic shrimp alfredo is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines tender shrimp with a creamy garlic sauce for the ultimate comfort food.

It’s quick to prepare, ready in about 30 minutes, and pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta.

The sauce is cheesy, garlicky, and velvety smooth—perfect for coating noodles.

You can easily customize it with different cheeses or herbs.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Milk and cream cheese create the creamy base without being too heavy.

Mozzarella and Parmesan add a cheesy richness that makes the sauce indulgent.

Fresh garlic infuses deep flavor into the butter base.

Shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs the garlicky, cheesy sauce beautifully.

Parsley adds a fresh garnish to brighten the dish.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce texture.

Do not overcook shrimp—they should be pink and just cooked through.

Stir the sauce continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a silky consistency.

Let the sauce rest for a few minutes before serving to thicken naturally.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo

Step 1 – Blend the base

Combine milk, cream cheese, flour, and salt in a blender until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2 – Sauté the garlic and shrimp

Melt butter in a saucepan, add garlic, and sauté for one minute.

Add shrimp and cook for 3–5 minutes until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3 – Make the sauce

Pour the milk mixture into the same pan.

Stir over medium heat for 4 minutes, then bring to a simmer.

Continue stirring for 6 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4 – Add the cheese

Remove from heat. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

Step 5 – Combine with shrimp

Return shrimp to the sauce, stir gently, and let rest another 5 minutes.

Step 6 – Serve

Serve hot over cooked pasta of your choice and garnish with parsley.

What to Serve Them With

Serve over fettuccine or linguine for a classic alfredo pairing.

Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the richness.

Variations / Substitutions

Swap shrimp for chicken or scallops.

Use half-and-half instead of milk for a richer sauce.

Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Try a four-cheese blend for a more indulgent twist.

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Avoid freezing as the cream sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the very end to prevent overcooking.

Which pasta works best with alfredo sauce?
Fettuccine, linguine, or penne hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free blend.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat on medium and stir constantly while cooking.

Can I make it lighter?
Use low-fat milk and reduce the cheese slightly.

Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, broccoli, spinach, or zucchini pair beautifully with the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy garlic shrimp alfredo is a cozy, restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in under an hour.

It’s creamy, garlicky, and loaded with flavor—perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.