Quick & Easy Shrimp Alfredo Using Jarred Sauce: A 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner

Hey there! I’m Cheryl from Hearty Home Cook, and today I’m gonna show you how to whip up an amazing shrimp Alfredo that’s both quick and delicious using jarred sauce. As someone who loves cooking but also values time-saving shortcuts, I’ve perfected this recipe to give you restaurant-quality results without spending hours in the kitchen

What You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 jar (15-16 oz) Alfredo sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Work

1. Get your pasta water boiling in a large pot
2. While waiting, peel and devein shrimp if not already done
3. Mince your garlic cloves

2. Cooking Process

For the Pasta:

1. Cook fettuccine according to package directions
2. Pro tip: Save about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining – trust me, this might come in handy later!

For the Shrimp:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
2. Toss in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds (it’ll smell amazing!)
3. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink
4. Remove shrimp and set aside

Putting It All Together:

1. Pour jarred Alfredo sauce into the same skillet
2. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally
3. Add cooked pasta and toss until coated
4. Return shrimp to the skillet
5. Mix in Parmesan cheese
6. Season with salt and pepper

Making Your Jarred Sauce Taste Better

Listen, we all know jarred sauce is convenient but here’s how I make it taste like it’s homemade

Quick Sauce Upgrades:

• Add a splash of heavy cream
• Throw in extra Parmesan
• Mix in a dollop of pesto
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach
• Splash of white wine (and maybe one for the chef? )

Common Problems & Solutions

Sauce Too Thick?

No worries! Remember that pasta water we saved? Add a little bit at a time until you get the perfect consistency

Sauce Too Thin?

• Add more grated Parmesan
• Let it simmer longer
• Add a bit of heavy cream

Tips for Perfect Shrimp

Y’all, the key to amazing shrimp Alfredo is not overcooking those little guys! Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Pat shrimp dry before cooking
• Don’t crowd the pan
• Remove them as soon as they turn pink
• Season well with salt and pepper

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this with:

• Garlic bread
• Simple green salad
• Glass of white wine

Storage & Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Final Thoughts

This shrimp Alfredo recipe is my go-to when I want something fancy but don’t have tons of time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for company. The whole thing comes together in about 25 minutes, which is pretty awesome if you ask me!

Happy cooking!

P.S. If you loved this recipe, check out our other quick pasta dishes on the blog!

#quick-dinner #pasta-recipes #seafood #comfort-food

Yes, you can cook raw shrimp directly in pasta sauce. It’s a common and efficient method that allows the shrimp to absorb the flavors of the sauce as they cook.