White Chocolate Shrimp Alfredo – Creamy & Easy
This White Chocolate Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy and savory pasta dish where shrimp meets rich Alfredo sauce, with a hint of sweetness from white chocolate. It’s an easy, restaurant-style dinner you can make at home for any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tbsp salt
- ½ tbsp black pepper
- ¼ tbsp red pepper flakes optional
For the White Chocolate Alfredo Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk or oat milk/almond milk for dietary restriction
- 3 oz white chocolate chopped
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tbsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tbsp white pepper or black pepper
- ½ tbsp nutmeg optional
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
- 2 tbsp reserved pasta water optional to adjust sauce consistency
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon zest optional for fresh contrast
- Crushed toasted almonds or macadamia nuts optional for extra texture
Instructions
Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of water with 1 tbsp salt.
- Cook fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions.
- Reserve 2 tbsp pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the White Chocolate Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.
- Pour in heavy cream and whole milk, stirring continuously.
- Allow the mixture to heat up (but not boil) for about 2 minutes.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Reduce heat and add chopped white chocolate, stirring until completely melted.
- Add salt, white pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until well combined.
Combine the Dish
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to adjust consistency.
- Mix in cooked shrimp and ensure even distribution.
- Remove from heat and let flavors meld for a minute.
Garnish and Serve
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add lemon zest for brightness (optional).
- For extra texture, add crushed toasted almonds or macadamia nuts.
Notes
- Use High-Quality White Chocolate: Avoid overly sweet brands with additives.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese may not melt properly.
- Cook the Shrimp Separately: Prevents overcooking and keeps shrimp tender.