Save A creamy, indulgent shrimp Alfredo pasta made effortlessly in the Instant Pot—straight from the freezer to your table in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
I first served this to my family on a hectic weeknight and was amazed how everyone enjoyed such a creamy and flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Frozen raw shrimp: 1 pound (450 g) peeled and deveined
- Pasta: 12 ounces (340 g) fettuccine or linguine, broken in half
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup (100 g) grated
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (30 g)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Frozen peas: 1 cup (150 g) optional
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 2 1/2 cups (600 ml)
- Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon optional
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Add the broken pasta to the Instant Pot, spreading it out evenly.
- Step 2:
- Pour in the chicken broth and scatter the minced garlic over the pasta.
- Step 3:
- Add the frozen shrimp directly on top of the pasta (do not stir).
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 5:
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Quick-release the pressure carefully as soon as the cooking time is up.
- Step 7:
- Open the lid, add the butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and frozen peas if using. Stir well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 8:
- Let the pasta sit for 2 3 minutes to thicken.
- Step 9:
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 10:
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
Save This dish always brings my family together around the table, sharing stories of our day over a comforting meal.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or toss in baby spinach with the peas. Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio.
Required Tools
6-quart (or larger) Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, measuring cups and spoons, tongs or a large spoon.
Allergen Information
Contains shellfish (shrimp), dairy (cream, butter, Parmesan), wheat (pasta). May contain traces of gluten if using regular pasta. Always check labels for allergens.
Save This Instant Pot shrimp Alfredo is a quick, creamy, and flavorful recipe perfect for any night of the week.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can frozen shrimp be used directly?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be added straight into the pot without defrosting, making the process quick and convenient.
- → What pasta types work best?
Fettuccine or linguine broken in half cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce well in this dish.
- → How is the creamy sauce achieved?
After pressure cooking, butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan are stirred in, melting to create a rich, velvety sauce.
- → Can additional vegetables be added?
Frozen peas are optional and can be added for color and freshness; baby spinach also works well when tossed in after cooking.
- → What seasoning enhances the flavor?
Fresh garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes balance richness and add a subtle kick.