Garlic Butter Shrimp Alfredo (EBT-Friendly)
This recipe is part of our EBT Surf & Turf Collection.
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: $10–14 total
Cost Per Serving: $2.50–$3.50
Why You’ll Love It
Creamy Alfredo pasta and juicy garlic butter shrimp are a combination that’s hard to beat. This is one of the most popular restaurant seafood pastas for a reason—it feels indulgent, comforting, and special while being surprisingly simple to make at home.
The best part? Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and frozen shrimp helps keep costs low without sacrificing flavor.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: ~650
Protein: ~36g
Carbohydrates: ~52g
Fat: ~32g
Ingredients:
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tbsp buter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine
- water
- 1 tbsp salt
Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water.
- Add 1 tablespoon salt and bring to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions, usually 10–12 minutes.
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- If using frozen shrimp, place them in a bowl and cover with cold water.
- Let sit for 15–20 minutes until thawed.
- Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
- Season with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Toss until evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons butter.
- Once melted, add the shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 2 minutes.
- Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Add 4 cloves minced garlic.
- Cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Start the Alfredo Sauce
- Using the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons butter.
- Once melted, add 2 cloves minced garlic.
- Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Create the Sauce Base
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking.
- Continue whisking until smooth.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Add:
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Whisk until completely smooth and creamy.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Toss until every strand is coated in sauce.
- Cook for 1 additional minute.
Step 8: Add the Shrimp
- Return the shrimp and any accumulated juices to the skillet.
- Gently toss everything together.
- Cook for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat.
Step 9: Serve
Divide among 4 bowls.
Optional toppings:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Budget Stretch Version
Need to lower the cost?
Use:
- ¾ pound shrimp
- 16 ounces pasta
The extra pasta helps stretch the meal while still delivering plenty of flavor and a satisfying texture.
Optional Upgrades
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
Add:
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Surf & Turf Alfredo
Add:
- ½ pound steak bites
Garlic Bread Version
Serve with:
- Toasted garlic bread
Vegetable Boost
Add:
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Peas
Leftover Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, add 1–2 tablespoons milk.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently between each interval.
This helps keep the Alfredo sauce smooth and creamy.
