Topping: Sautéed shrimp with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Introduction

Bring the creamy decadence of Olive Garden into your kitchen with this Copycat Shrimp Alfredo recipe! Known for its luxurious, cheesy Alfredo sauce coating perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta and succulent shrimp, this dish is a classic crowd-pleaser. With just a handful of ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant favorite at home—and, with the added touch of sautéed shrimp and red pepper flakes, you’ll add a spicy twist that makes every bite unforgettable.

This shrimp Alfredo is perfect for a romantic dinner or a family meal, delivering all the richness of the original dish without leaving home.

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Ingredients

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb fettuccine

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling

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Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
6. Lower the heat and keep the sauce warm, stirring occasionally to prevent it from clumping.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
4. Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the shrimp during the last 30 seconds of cooking for a spicy kick.
5. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Alfredo Sauce

1. Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
2. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Divide the Alfredo pasta among serving plates or bowls.
2. Top with sautéed shrimp and sprinkle with additional red pepper flakes for extra heat.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

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Cooking Note

• Control the spice: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to match your heat preference.
• For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
• If your Alfredo sauce thickens too much, gently reheat it and add a little more cream or reserved pasta water to restore its consistency.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread and a side salad, such as Caesar salad or mixed greens with vinaigrette.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to balance the richness of the sauce.

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Tips

1. Use fresh Parmesan cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan may not melt smoothly. For best results, grate it fresh just before cooking.
2. Avoid overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—keeping them tender ensures they don’t become rubbery.
3. Make it your own: Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
4. Double the sauce recipe if you like extra creamy pasta, or store leftovers for another meal.

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Prep Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

20 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 680
• Protein: 34g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 38g
• Fiber: 3g

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Conclusion

This Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo brings the restaurant experience right to your table. With creamy Alfredo sauce, tender pasta, and perfectly sautéed shrimp, every bite delivers indulgent comfort. The added heat from the red pepper flakes gives this dish an exciting twist, making it even more irresistible. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. Serve it with garlic bread and wine to complete the experience, and enjoy your very own Olive Garden moment at home!

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