Chicken Shrimp Alfredo: The Ultimate Creamy Seafood Pasta Recipe

Chicken Shrimp Alfredo, a symphony of creamy indulgence, is about to become your new weeknight obsession. Imagine tender grilled chicken and succulent shrimp, draped in a velvety, rich Alfredo sauce, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about it!

While the exact origins of Alfredo sauce are debated, its roots are firmly planted in Italy. Legend has it that Alfredo di Lelio, a restaurateur in Rome, created the dish for his pregnant wife who was struggling to eat. He combined butter, Parmesan cheese, and pasta to create a simple yet nourishing meal. Over time, the dish evolved, making its way across the Atlantic and incorporating additions like chicken and shrimp, transforming into the beloved Chicken Shrimp Alfredo we know and adore today.

But what makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta, while the chicken and shrimp provide a delightful protein boost. It’s also incredibly versatile and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe is guaranteed to please. Plus, with a few simple shortcuts, you can have this restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Alfredo Sauce:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving (optional, but adds a nice sharpness)
• For the Chicken and Shrimp:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Pasta:
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water
• Optional Garnishes:
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes

Preparing the Chicken and Shrimp:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: In a separate medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of garlic powder, a pinch of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the same skillet (no need to clean it). Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.

Making the Alfredo Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure the butter doesn’t brown or burn.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the sauce bitter.
3. Add the Heavy Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the saucepan with the butter and garlic. Stir well to combine.
4. Season the Sauce: Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to the sauce. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
6. Add the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese and Pecorino Romano cheese (if using) to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. It’s important to remove the sauce from the heat before adding the cheese to prevent it from clumping.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or cheese to achieve your desired flavor.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Add Salt: Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water. This will help to season the pasta as it cooks. A good rule of thumb is to add about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.
3. Cook the Pasta: Add the fettuccine pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to the package directions, or until the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite).
4. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can be used to help thin the Alfredo sauce and create a creamier consistency.
5. Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as this will remove the starch that helps the sauce cling to it.

Assembling the Chicken Shrimp Alfredo:

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the saucepan with the Alfredo sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
2. Add Chicken and Shrimp: Add the cooked chicken and shrimp to the pasta and sauce. Toss gently to combine.
3. Serve: Serve the Chicken Shrimp Alfredo immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired. Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese and Pecorino Romano cheese at the table.

Tips for the Best Chicken Shrimp Alfredo:

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese will melt more smoothly and have a better flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can be tough and rubbery. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Use Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is essential for a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half, as these will not provide the same results.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the Alfredo sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Serve Immediately: Alfredo sauce is best served immediately, as it can thicken as it sits.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables to your Chicken Shrimp Alfredo. Broccoli, asparagus, or peas would be delicious additions. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the sauce.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or garnish with extra red pepper flakes.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce gently over low heat before adding the pasta, chicken, and shrimp. You can also cook the chicken and shrimp ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
• Storage: Store leftover Chicken Shrimp Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a little milk or cream to thin it out.

Variations:

• Spicy Chicken Shrimp Alfredo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or garnish with extra red pepper flakes.
• Vegetable Chicken Shrimp Alfredo: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or peas, to the dish. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the sauce.
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Shrimp Alfredo: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto to the Alfredo sauce for a burst of flavor.
• Lemon Chicken Shrimp Alfredo: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the Alfredo sauce for a bright and tangy flavor.
• Blackened Chicken Shrimp Alfredo: Use blackened seasoning on the chicken and shrimp for a smoky and spicy flavor.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Shrimp Alfredo recipe isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a creamy, dreamy, seafood-infused delight that will have your taste buds singing! The combination of tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and that rich, velvety Alfredo sauce is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and a little bit fancy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible flavor, it’s surprisingly easy to make. We’ve broken down each step to ensure even beginner cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your liking, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. You can even swap out the pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative. The possibilities are endless!

Looking for serving suggestions? This Chicken Shrimp Alfredo is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a more complete meal, consider adding some steamed broccoli or asparagus. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try topping it with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for an extra touch of elegance.

Serving Variations:

* Spicy Alfredo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for a spicy kick.
* Vegetable Boost: Sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers and add them to the pasta for extra nutrients and flavor.
* Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the Alfredo sauce for a bright and zesty flavor.
* Garlic Bread: Serve with homemade garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
* Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with this creamy dish.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! Don’t be shy – give it a try this week and let me know how it turns out. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments in the section below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this amazing Chicken Shrimp Alfredo.

I truly believe that cooking should be fun and rewarding, and this recipe is a perfect example of that. It’s a chance to create something delicious and share it with the people you love. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to whip up a batch of this unforgettable pasta dish. Happy cooking! I’m excited to hear about your culinary adventures! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Now go forth and create some Alfredo magic!