Save to Pinterest 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 hearty shrimp Alfredo for a busy weeknight and it quickly became a family favorite because of how fast and delicious it was.
Ingredients
- Protein & Seafood: 1 pound (450 g) frozen raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- Pasta: 12 ounces (340 g) fettuccine or linguine broken in half
- Dairy: 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- Dairy: 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Dairy: 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic minced
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas (optional)
- Liquids: 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Seasonings: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Seasonings: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 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 to Pinterest I love how this recipe brings everyone together around the table especially on hectic days requiring minimal effort.
Notes
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 to Pinterest This Instant Pot shrimp Alfredo pasta offers a delicious weeknight meal that saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → Can frozen shrimp be cooked directly in the Instant Pot?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be added directly without thawing, which makes the process faster and convenient.
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine or linguine broken in half works well, as they cook evenly under pressure and absorb the sauce beautifully.
- → How do I make the sauce creamy and smooth?
Adding heavy cream, butter, and grated Parmesan cheese after pressure cooking, then stirring until melted, creates a rich and smooth sauce.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Frozen peas are optional and can be stirred in at the end for a sweet, fresh element. Other greens like spinach also work well.
- → What seasoning balances the flavors best?
Garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes add depth and a slight kick to the dish.
- → How should this dish be served?
Serve immediately after cooking, garnished with chopped fresh parsley to enhance aroma and presentation.