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 still remember the first time I made this for my family after soccer practice: dinner was done before anyone had time to ask what was for supper. The Instant Pot has made creamy Alfredo a weeknight reality!
Ingredients
- Frozen raw shrimp: 1 pound (450 g), peeled and deveined
- Fettuccine or linguine: 12 ounces (340 g), broken in half
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1 cup (100 g)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (30 g)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Frozen peas (optional): 1 cup (150 g)
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 2 1/2 cups (600 ml)
- Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Add pasta:
- Add the broken pasta to the Instant Pot, spreading it out evenly.
- Add liquids & garlic:
- Pour in the chicken broth and scatter the minced garlic over the pasta.
- Add shrimp:
- Place the frozen shrimp directly on top of the pasta (do not stir).
- Season:
- Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Pressure cook:
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes.
- Quick release:
- Quick-release the pressure carefully as soon as the cooking time is up.
- Add dairy & peas:
- 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.
- Thicken:
- Let the pasta sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
- Adjust seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish & serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
Save My kids always pile extra Parmesan on top—and I have to admit, I join them every time. Sharing this dish around our table always turns a hectic night into something special.
Required Tools
6-quart (or larger) Instant Pot, measuring cups and spoons, and tongs or a large spoon for serving.
Allergen Information
Contains shellfish (shrimp), dairy (cream, butter, Parmesan), wheat (pasta). Check packaging if you have gluten sensitivity.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 520 calories, 20 g total fat, 52 g carbohydrates, 32 g protein.
Save Enjoy this easy Alfredo pasta any night of the week for a meal that feels fancy but couldn't be simpler! Serve immediately for the creamiest results.
Recipe Questions
- → Can frozen shrimp be cooked directly with pasta?
Yes, placing frozen shrimp on top of pasta in the Instant Pot allows even cooking without stirring, preserving shrimp texture.
- → What pasta types work best with this method?
Fettuccine or linguine work well when broken in half to fit the pot, cooking evenly with the shrimp and sauce.
- → How do I achieve a creamy sauce in the Instant Pot?
Adding butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan after pressure cooking, then stirring to melt creates a rich, velvety sauce.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Frozen peas are a great option to add sweetness and color; they are stirred in after cooking for gentle warming.
- → How do I adjust seasoning for best flavor?
Salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes provide a balanced base; taste after cooking and adjust as needed.