Shrimp Chicken Alfredo: The Ultimate Creamy Pasta Dish

Dive into the ultimate comfort food with this Shrimp Chicken Alfredo Recipe! Our 5-step guide makes it easy to create a restaurant-quality Italian dish featuring tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. Whether you are planning a cozy night or aiming to impress your guests, this delicious pasta recipe will surely become a favorite. Follow along to make a creamy, flavorful Alfredo dish that’s simple and unforgettable, perfect for any pasta lover looking to elevate their home-cooked meals!

Indulge in the rich flavors of Shrimp Chicken Alfredo, a recipe that brings together juicy shrimp, tender chicken, and a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce. This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through each step, so you can create a dish that feels fit for a restaurant but is surprisingly simple to make in your kitchen. Packed with protein and a sauce that’s smooth and savory, this meal is perfect for a romantic dinner, a cozy family night, or a special occasion.

Why This Recipe Works

Creating a creamy, balanced Alfredo sauce requires the right blend of flavors and textures. This dish uses shrimp and chicken for protein, and a rich, homemade sauce with butter, cream cheese, milk, and heavy cream for that unbeatable creaminess. The beauty of this recipe is that, with a few simple techniques, you can make a dish that rivals any restaurant version and at a fraction of the cost.

Tip: “The homemade version is so much tastier and cheaper than restaurant Alfredo. Once you try this, you’ll never go back to ordering it out!”

Ingredients for the Perfect Shrimp Chicken Alfredo

Key Ingredients

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined: 1 lb
• Chicken breast, diced: 1 lb
• Butter: 4 tbsp (3 tbsp for sauce, 1 tbsp for shrimp)
• Heavy cream: 1 cup
• Milk: 1 cup
• Cream cheese: 4 oz
• Garlic, minced: 3 cloves
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional): 1/2 cup
• Pasta (trottole or linguine): 8 oz

Seasoning for Shrimp

• Extra virgin olive oil: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
• Sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley: 1 teaspoon each

Ingredient Breakdown

1. Protein-Packed Duo: Shrimp and chicken provide a balanced mix of flavors and textures, creating a dish that’s as hearty as it is satisfying.
2. Creamy Base: Butter, cream cheese, milk, and heavy cream blend to make a sauce that’s rich and smooth, clinging beautifully to the pasta and proteins.
3. Seasonings: Using sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for the shrimp adds depth and subtle heat, enhancing each bite.

Ingredient Preparation Tips

1. Shrimp: For the best results, use 1 lb of wild-caught jumbo or colossal shrimp, peeled and deveined. This makes your dish look elegant and taste even better.
2. Chicken: Cut the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, allowing for even, quick cooking.
3. Pasta: Choose either trottole or linguine both pair well with creamy sauces. Plan for 1 lb of pasta for a satisfying meal.
4. Dairy for Sauce: Use high-quality butter, heavy cream, and whole milk. Grating fresh Parmesan will elevate the sauce’s texture and flavor.
5. Herbs and Spices: Freshly minced garlic and a sprinkle of dried parsley add fragrance and garnish.

Prep Tip: Set out all your ingredients in advance. This makes the cooking process smoother and ensures your Alfredo sauce comes together quickly and seamlessly.

Step 1: Creamy Pasta Perfection: Shrimp Chicken Alfredo

Try the creamy delight of shrimp chicken alfredo, a dish fit for a restaurant but easy to make at home. It’s packed with protein and has a rich alfredo sauce. This sauce covers tender chicken and juicy shrimp, making it a comforting meal.

Pasta Pick: Trottole or Linguine

Choose 1 (16 oz.) package of organic trottole or linguine pasta. It’s the perfect base for the creamy alfredo sauce.

Creamy Base: Butter, Cream Cheese, Milk, and Heavy Cream

The sauce’s creamy texture comes from butter, cream cheese, milk, and heavy cream. Together, they make a rich, flavorful alfredo sauce. This sauce will make your shrimp chicken dish even better.

Cooking the Pasta Perfectly Al Dente

To get the perfect pasta for your shrimp chicken alfredo, cook the trottole or linguine until they’re al dente. This means they should be firm to the bite. Don’t overcook the pasta; it will soften when mixed with the creamy sauce. Saving some pasta water can also help you get the right consistency for your dish. Follow these steps:

1. Bring a Large Pot of Salted Water to a Boil. Use plenty of water and a generous pinch of salt for added flavor.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the trottole or linguine and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-12 minutes, until al dente.
3. Save Pasta Water: Use a skimmer or slotted spoon to transfer the pasta to the sauce, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. This starchy water is perfect for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.

Pro Tip: “The key to perfect pasta is in the timing. Achieve al dente, and your dish will have a wonderful texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.”

Shrimp chicken alfredo is perfect for a romantic dinner or a family meal. It’s a white sauce pasta that’s full of flavor and protein. It’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

This shrimp chicken alfredo recipe was loved on Christmas Day 2023 and Valentine’s Day 2024. It’s great for any special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal. Making this creamy pasta masterpiece at home is easy and rewarding.

Step 2. Sautéing the Proteins: Shrimp and Chicken

Achieving the ideal Shrimp Chicken Alfredo starts with perfectly sautéed proteins. Begin by slicing chicken breasts into thin strips to ensure even, quick cooking. Sauté the chicken in batches over medium-high heat, giving each piece space to brown properly without overcrowding the pan.

Properly sautéing the shrimp and chicken ensures each protein is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

Prepping the Ingredients

Before you start cooking your Shrimp Chicken Alfredo dish, prepare your ingredients first.

• Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. This makes your dish look better and taste better too. Use 1 lb. of shrimp for 4 servings.
• Then, cut the chicken into small strips. This helps the chicken cook evenly and mix well with the other ingredients.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, and sauté until golden brown, about 8-9 minutes. Set aside.

Season and Cook the Shrimp

Toss the shrimp with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Sauté in the same skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the pan as soon as they’re done to avoid overcooking.

Shrimp Cooking Tips for Best Results:

• Choose larger shrimp (20-25 counts per pound) to prevent overcooking.
• Limit cooking time to around 2 minutes, just until they’re pink and opaque.
• Avoid leaving the shrimp in the pan for too long, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.
• Remove the shrimp from the heat as soon as they’re cooked through to retain their tender, juicy texture.

By cooking the chicken and shrimp separately and watching each, you’ll achieve perfectly tender proteins to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Step 3. Crafting the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients:

• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces
• Milk: 1 cup
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: 1 cup

A rich Alfredo sauce is the heart of this dish, and it’s simple to make with a few key ingredients:

1. Melt Butter and Cream Cheese: In a clean saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter with 4 oz of cream cheese over medium heat. Whisk until smooth.
2. Add Milk and Heavy Cream: Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly to achieve a smooth texture.
3. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Slowly add freshly grated Parmesan (optional) and stir continuously until the sauce is creamy and well-mixed.

Sauce Tip: Avoid using pre-grated Parmesan, as it can contain additives that affect the sauce’s texture. Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances flavor.

Step 4. Bringing It All Together: Shrimp Chicken Alfredo

Follow these steps for a silky, flavorful alfredo sauce. It will enhance your shrimp and chicken dish. Impress your loved ones with this restaurant-quality dish!

1. Add Pasta to the Sauce: Place the cooked pasta directly into the Alfredo sauce, tossing it gently to coat each piece.
2. Incorporate Proteins: Add the sautéed chicken and shrimp, stirring to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Consistency Tip: Adjust the sauce with small amounts of pasta water until it clings smoothly to the pasta and proteins.

The dish is now ready. The pasta is cooked just right, the shrimp and chicken are tender, and the alfredo sauce is creamy. Each bite is a mix of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.

Step 5. Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

Once you’ve made your shrimp chicken alfredo, it’s time to serve it. Serve it hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and parsley. This adds color and freshness, making it look and taste better.

For a full meal, try it with a green salad or garlic bread. The salad’s coolness contrasts with the pasta’s creaminess. The garlic bread is perfect for dipping in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

Crisp green salad, Garlic bread

Garnishes:

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Chopped parsley

Serving the shrimp chicken alfredo hot, with these garnishes and sides, will impress everyone. It’s sure to become a favorite in your family. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!

Tip: “The secret to a truly exceptional shrimp chicken alfredo is in the details – from perfectly cooked pasta to the creamy, flavorful sauce and the perfect garnishes to bring it all together.”

Related Recipes

• Top 3 Easy Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipes to Try: for more pasta recipe inspiration.
• Quick and Creamy Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo with Pro Tips: for similar creamy pasta ideas.

Conclusion

Learning to make shrimp chicken alfredo at home is simpler than you might think. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can make this pasta dish just like a restaurant. Follow this guide to get a creamy, flavorful, and protein-rich meal that everyone will love. Enjoy making this comforting and tasty shrimp chicken alfredo.

By learning how to cook the pasta, sauté the shrimp and chicken, and make the creamy alfredo sauce, you’ll become confident in making this classic dish. It’s perfect for any meal, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Your family and friends will love the effort you put into making this delicious recipe.

Enjoy the joy of cooking at home and relish the tastes of this shrimp chicken alfredo pasta recipe. With the right help and a love for great food, you can become a pro at this favorite dish.

Tip : “The homemade version of this dish is so much tastier and cheaper than the restaurant version. I’ll never go back to ordering it out!”

FAQs

What are the key ingredients in shrimp chicken alfredo?

The main ingredients are shrimp, chicken, and pasta like trottole or linguine. It would be best if you also had a creamy alfredo sauce. This sauce is made with butter, cream cheese, milk, and heavy cream. Don’t forget the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

How do I properly prepare the shrimp and chicken for the dish?

First, peel and devein the shrimp. Then, cut the chicken into small strips. Having everything ready before cooking makes the process smoother.

What’s the best way to cook the pasta for shrimp chicken alfredo?

Cook the pasta until it’s al dente. This means it should still have a bit of firmness. Don’t overcook it, as it will soften in the sauce. Saving some pasta water helps achieve the right consistency.

How do I ensure the shrimp and chicken are cooked properly?

Cook the shrimp and chicken in batches for even cooking. Watch out for overcooking, as it can make the shrimp tough. They’re done when they turn opaque and pink.

What’s the secret to making a silky, restaurant-quality alfredo sauce?

The secret is using freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Avoid pre-grated cheese with anti-caking agents. Melt the butter and cream cheese, then whisk in the milk and heavy cream for a smooth sauce.

How do I combine all the components for the final shrimp chicken alfredo dish?

Toss everything together once the pasta and protein are cooked and the sauce is ready. Stir gently to coat the noodles evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some pasta water.

What are some serving suggestions and garnishes for shrimp chicken alfredo?

Serve the dish hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and parsley. A crisp green salad or garlic bread makes a great pairing for a complete meal.