How to Make Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo:

Imagine a dish so creamy and flavorful, it feels like a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. Combining tender chicken and succulent shrimp in a rich Alfredo sauce is a match made in heaven. This recipe Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo brings together the best of both worlds, offering a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
With this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare every component step-by-step. From selecting the freshest shrimp and cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces to mastering the sauce, each detail is covered. Tips like thawing shrimp under cool water and using high-quality ingredients ensure your meal turns out perfectly.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Having all ingredients ready ensures a smooth cooking process. This preparation will help you create a homemade dish that tastes like it’s from a restaurant!

chicken and shrimp alfredo
Ingredients
- 1 Ib (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- ½ Ib (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine (or linguine for rebels)
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups (150g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (no cardboard shakers)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tbsp jarred minced garlic for the lazy gourmet)
- ½ tsp salt, plus extra for seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but adds ✨magic✨)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 tsp paprika (for shrimp seasoning)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice lovers)
Notes
Instructions for Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
1. Prep Work (10 minutes)
- Chicken: Pat dry with paper towels, slice into thin strips, and season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Shrimp: Toss with 1 tsp paprika and a pinch of salt.
- Garlic: Mince 4 cloves (or measure 1 tbsp pre-minced).
- Parmesan: Grate 1 ½ cups (freshly grated only).
- Pasta water: Fill a large pot with water, salt it generously, and set it to boil (this happens while you cook the proteins).
2. Cook the Proteins (15 minutes)
A. Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer (don’t crowd the pan!). Cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
B. Shrimp:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Toss in shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and curled. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce (10 minutes)
- Melt ½ cup butter in the same skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let it burn—this is not a garlic charcoal challenge).
- Pour in 1 ½ cups heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer gently (no boiling!) for 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan until smooth. Add ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
4. Combine Everything (5 minutes)
- Drain pasta (save ½ cup pasta water first!).
- Add cooked fettuccine, chicken, and shrimp to the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
- Too thick? Add pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until creamy.
- Too thin? Simmer 1-2 minutes while stirring (sauce thickens as it cools).
5. Serve Immediately (Because Patience is Overrated)
- Divide into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley/basil and red pepper flakes if you’re spicy.
- Pair with garlic bread (to mop up every last drop).
Pro Tips for Newbies:
- Timing: Start boiling pasta water while cooking proteins to save time.
- Don’t multitask? Cook chicken/shrimp first, then focus on sauce and pasta.
- Sauce rescue: If it separates, whisk in 1-2 tbsp pasta water or cream.
Final Wisdom: “Stir with confidence even if you’re Googling ‘how to stir’.” Now go forth and Alfredo like you mean it! 🍴🔥
Final Touches to Elevate Your Dish

Now that your Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo is nearly ready, it’s time to add those final touches that make a dish truly special. Start by reintegrating your cooked chicken and shrimp into the pasta and sauce, ensuring every bite is well-coated. Take a moment to check the seasoning—adjust the pepper to your liking and add a pinch of salt if needed.

For a polished presentation, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A squeeze of lemon can add a bright, tangy note to the dish. Let it rest for a minute before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Once you’ve perfected your meal, don’t forget to share your creation! Leave a star rating and let us know how it turned out. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and the delightful experience of a homemade Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo.