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!
This recipe has quickly become a family favorite because it combines convenience with rich flavors I love.
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
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- 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 This dish brings us together every time, especially on busy weeknights when we need a comforting meal fast.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories 520 Total Fat 20 g Carbohydrates 52 g Protein 32 g
Save Enjoy this easy, flavorful meal that’s ready from freezer to plate in no time.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can frozen shrimp be cooked directly from frozen?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be added directly without thawing, allowing for quick and easy preparation in the pot.
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine or linguine broken in half cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce well in this method.
- → How can I make the sauce creamier?
Stirring in heavy cream, butter, and freshly grated Parmesan after cooking enriches the sauce for a silky texture.
- → Are the peas necessary for the dish?
Peas are optional but add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to balance the richness of the sauce.
- → How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Cooking under high pressure for 6 minutes and quick-releasing preserves the shrimp’s tenderness and prevents toughness.
- → Can I add other herbs or spices?
Fresh parsley is recommended for garnish, but basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor profile.