If you’re dreaming of a creamy, comforting dinner that comes together quickly but feels special enough for a celebration, look no further than Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach. This dish is a showstopper: buttery shrimp, fresh spinach, and tender pasta—all coated in luscious Alfredo sauce and finished with a shower of Parmesan and herbs. It’s the kind of meal that delivers on every level: rich flavors, vibrant colors, and a restaurant-quality experience right at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach is chosen for maximum flavor and delicious harmony—nothing fancy, just quality ingredients that really shine when brought together. Each element contributes to the creaminess, savory punch, or beautiful color that make this dish irresistible.
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp—they cook quickly and absorb all the wonderful sauce flavors.
- Fettuccine (or pasta of choice): The perfect base to soak up the creamy Alfredo, but feel free to sub in any pasta you love.
- Butter: Divided for sautéing the shrimp and starting the silky sauce.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced, add a fragrant backbone to the Alfredo sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Builds that irresistibly rich, velvety sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives the Alfredo its classic cheesy finish.
- Fresh Spinach: Bright and vibrant, spinach brings nutrition and a burst of green to the plate.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that allows the main flavors to shine.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat—totally adjustable to your taste.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous lift as a garnish.
How to Make Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start a big pot of salted water boiling—plenty of space means perfectly cooked pasta! Once the water’s bubbling, drop in your fettuccine (or chosen pasta) and cook it just to al dente. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; it’s a pro tip for adjusting sauce consistency later if you like.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and melt a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add your shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and let them sizzle for about 2–3 minutes per side until they turn gloriously pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set them aside—you want them plump and juicy, not overcooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
Using the same skillet (no need to wash—those shrimp bits are flavor gold!), melt the second tablespoon of butter and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for a minute until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Once the cream is bubbled and warm, stir in the Parmesan until everything is beautifully melted and the sauce is silky smooth.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Stir your fresh spinach right into the hot Alfredo sauce. It’ll wilt remarkably quickly—usually in just a minute or two. This step infuses your Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach with gorgeous color and a tender, fresh bite that balances the rich creaminess.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp, Pasta, and Sauce
Toss the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, then add your drained pasta. Toss everything with tongs or two forks until the noodles are well coated in sauce and the shrimp and spinach are evenly distributed. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a little of that reserved pasta water for silkiness.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste your Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach and adjust with extra salt, black pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Serve it piping hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a crisp, aromatic finish.
How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley gives this dish a fresh, lively touch. If you want to take it up a notch, try grating a bit more Parmesan cheese on top, or even a dusting of lemon zest for added brightness.
Side Dishes
Crusty garlic bread is a classic pairing that nobody will ever turn down—perfect for soaking up extra Alfredo sauce. A simple green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette or roasted asparagus is also wonderful to balance out the creamy richness of Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, twirl the fettuccine neatly into nest shapes on your plates, with shrimp artfully arranged on top. Or, serve the pasta family-style in a large, wide bowl with plenty of fresh parsley and cracked pepper at the table—let everyone dig in and help themselves to this stunning Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta and sauce can thicken slightly as they chill, so be ready to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces sometimes separate after freezing, you can freeze Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach if needed. For best results, freeze it in tightly sealed portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and gently reheat, stirring well to bring the sauce back together.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a little milk or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp—heat just until everything is hot and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear rather than steam in the pan.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
You can swap in frozen chopped spinach—just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor is still delicious.
Can I substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream?
You can, though the sauce will be lighter and a bit less rich. If you want the full creamy effect that makes Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach so indulgent, stick with heavy cream.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t need to make any other modifications.
How spicy is it with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a touch of heat—nothing overwhelming. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your personal taste, or omit them entirely for a classic preparation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving that perfect, cozy pasta night, there’s truly nothing better than homemade Shrimp Alfredo with Spinach. It’s quick, vibrant, and always impresses—it might just become your new signature dinner. Give it a try, and let every creamy, garlicky bite remind you why this dish is such a beloved classic!