Save It 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!
This recipe has become my go-to for busy evenings when I want something comforting without fuss.
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 It My family enjoys gathering around the table to share this delicious and quick meal after long days.
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.
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 It This Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo pasta is a fast and flavorful dish perfect for any weeknight meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh shrimp can be used. Adjust cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking delicate fresh shrimp.
- → What pasta types work best with this method?
Fettuccine or linguine broken in half work well, as they cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Frozen peas are a great addition for color and sweetness; spinach or mushrooms can also be stirred in after cooking.
- → How can I make the sauce lighter?
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness while maintaining creaminess.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can freeze the shrimp and pasta mixture, then cook straight from the freezer to save time on busy days.