Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This dish features tender shrimp and al dente pasta cooked together in a rich, creamy sauce made with Parmesan, butter, and garlic. Using a pressure cooker streamlines meal prep, turning frozen shrimp and pasta into a comforting plate in just 20 minutes. Optional peas add a subtle sweetness and color, while fresh parsley garnish brightens the flavors. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner with Italian-American flair.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 12:37:00 GMT
Steaming Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, a comforting weeknight meal with creamy sauce and shrimp. Save to Pinterest
Steaming Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, a comforting weeknight meal with creamy sauce and shrimp. | yummywithmia.com

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 to my family on a hectic weeknight and everyone loved how quickly it came together without compromising on flavor.

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 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
  • Vegetables & Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic minced 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas (optional)
  • Liquids: 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) 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.
Up-close view of rich Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, garnished with fresh parsley, ready to eat! Save to Pinterest
Up-close view of rich Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, garnished with fresh parsley, ready to eat! | yummywithmia.com

This dish has become a family favorite on busy nights bringing everyone together around the dinner table.

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 per serving

Delicious Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, featuring perfectly cooked shrimp and creamy fettuccine. Save to Pinterest
Delicious Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, featuring perfectly cooked shrimp and creamy fettuccine. | yummywithmia.com

This Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo pasta is the perfect hassle free meal that feels indulgent and satisfying every time.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh shrimp can be used. Adjust cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking, as fresh shrimp cook faster than frozen.

What pasta types work best for this dish?

Fettuccine or linguine broken in half are ideal, as they cook evenly under pressure and absorb the creamy sauce well.

Is it possible to add vegetables to the dish?

Frozen peas are a great addition, offering color and mild sweetness. You can also toss in baby spinach after cooking for extra greens.

How do I prevent pasta from sticking in the pressure cooker?

Evenly spreading pasta in the liquid and avoiding stirring before cooking helps keep noodles separate. Quick pressure release also preserves texture.

Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half provides a lighter sauce while maintaining creaminess, making the dish less rich but still flavorful.

Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo

Creamy shrimp Alfredo pasta cooked quickly with savory Parmesan and garlic in a pressure cooker.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
20 minutes
Created by Mia

Recipe Type Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Culinary Origin Italian-American

Total Output 4 Portion Size

Dietary Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Protein & Seafood

01 1 pound frozen raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta

01 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine, broken in half

Dairy

01 1 cup heavy cream
02 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 3 cloves garlic, minced
02 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Liquids

01 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon kosher salt
02 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
03 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
04 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Prepare pasta base: Place the broken pasta evenly into the Instant Pot insert.

Step 02

Add broth and aromatics: Pour low-sodium chicken broth over the pasta and evenly scatter minced garlic on top.

Step 03

Layer shrimp: Arrange frozen shrimp directly over the pasta without stirring.

Step 04

Season: Sprinkle kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired over the layered ingredients.

Step 05

Pressure cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.

Step 06

Release pressure and add finishing ingredients: Perform a quick-release of the pressure immediately when cooking ends. Remove the lid, then stir in unsalted butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and frozen peas if using until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.

Step 07

Thicken sauce: Allow the pasta to rest for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Step 08

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve immediately garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Tools Required

  • 6-quart or larger electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or large serving spoon

Allergy Warnings

Please review individual ingredients for potential allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish, dairy, and wheat; may contain gluten traces if pasta is not certified gluten-free.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Calories Count: 520
  • Fats: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 52 grams
  • Proteins: 32 grams