Chicken Alfredo and Shrimp dish is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy, rich Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and succulent shrimp. Perfectly seasoned and tossed with al dente pasta.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Alfredo and Shrimp
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. Overcooking will result in a rubbery texture. Be sure to watch them closely and remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best Alfredo sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated. Fresh cheese melts more smoothly and gives a richer flavor.
- Pasta Water is Your Friend: Don’t forget to save some pasta water before draining the pasta. The starchy water helps thicken the sauce and binds it to the pasta for a creamier texture.
- Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a combination of cream and chicken broth for a thinner, more flavorful sauce.
Variations of Chicken Alfredo and Shrimp
- Add Vegetables: To give the dish more color and nutrition, you can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spicy Alfredo: For a bit of a kick, add some red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce. You can also toss in a small amount of sriracha or Cajun seasoning to spice things up.
- Lemon and Herb Twist: For a fresh and zesty touch, squeeze some lemon juice into the sauce and garnish with lemon zest and extra herbs like basil or thyme.
- Garlic Bread Side: Serve with a side of crispy garlic bread to complete the meal. The crunchy texture complements the creamy pasta beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo and Shrimp
- Classic Serving Style: Serve the Chicken Alfredo and Shrimp over a bed of pasta, topped with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
- Family Style: Serve the dish in a large serving bowl for a family-style meal. Pair it with a green salad and a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
- Individual Portions: Plate each portion individually with a side of steamed vegetables like asparagus or roasted carrots for a balanced meal.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Alfredo and Shrimp
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), Chicken Alfredo with Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the pasta gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creamy texture.
For longer storage, freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave. Be sure to add a little extra liquid to restore its creamy consistency.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, frozen shrimp will work fine, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or by running them under cold water for a few minutes.
2. Can I substitute the heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce? If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a non-dairy substitute like almond milk. However, using heavy cream results in the richest and creamiest texture.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While fettuccine is the traditional choice, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, linguine, or spaghetti all work beautifully with Alfredo sauce.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from separating? To prevent your sauce from breaking or separating, make sure you don’t cook it on high heat. Stir it constantly and avoid letting it boil vigorously. Adding the cheese gradually and allowing it to melt fully before adding more also helps keep the sauce smooth.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Chicken Alfredo and Shrimp is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and shrimp in advance, and then reheat the sauce and pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Chicken Alfredo And Shrimp (Fettuccine Alfredo)
Chicken Alfredo and Shrimp dish is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy, rich Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and succulent shrimp. Perfectly seasoned and tossed with al dente pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast, skinless, boneless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3/4 pound medium/large shrimp (about 16), peeled and deveined, tails removed (if frozen, thawed)
- 12 oz. fettuccine
- 1/2 cup butter, unsalted (about 8 tbsp)
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half and half)
- 1 1/2 cups Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, freshly grated (or grated Romano cheese)
- 1/2 - 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Kosher salt
- 2 pinches nutmeg, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for cooking and tossing
Instructions
- Heat a large pot, add water and salt, bring it to a boil.
- Add pasta, and cook as per the package instruction until tender or al dente but still slightly firm.
- Strain, and toss with little olive oil to avoid sticking.
- Pat dry the shrimp with a paper towel, season with salt and pepper.
- Season the chicken with cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tbsp of the butter, once melted, add the shrimp, raise the heat to medium-high and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until cooked through, flipping them in between. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- On the same pan, add olive oil or butter. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-8 minutes or until no longer pink from inside and cooked through. Set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining butter. Scrape off any bits sticking to the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. When the butter has fully melted, whisk in the cream and nutmeg and bring it to a simmer, lower the heat and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk in Parmigiano cheese into the sauce. Add the cooked shrimp, chicken and pasta, toss well to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with bacon bits and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
6Amount Per Serving Calories 672Total Fat 57gSaturated Fat 33gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 171mgSodium 826mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 19g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Still Hungry! Try My Other Delicious Alfredo Recipes:
- Chicken Alfredo Crock Pot
- Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta With Broccoli
- Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine Pasta
- Chicken Alfredo Pasta Penne
Chicken Alfredo and Shrimp is the kind of dish that everyone will ask for seconds of. Its creamy texture, flavorful ingredients, and savory shrimp and chicken make it an unforgettable meal. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with your own variations, this dish is a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Happy cooking
