Get ready to indulge in a pasta dish that’s truly extraordinary! This Garlic Shrimp Bacon Alfredo combines tender, perfectly cooked shrimp and crispy, savory bacon with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, all tossed with al dente fettuccine. It’s a decadent, incredibly flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or whenever you crave pure comfort food bliss.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Garlic Shrimp Bacon Alfredo is a symphony of flavors and textures! What I love most is how it takes the classic richness of Alfredo and elevates it with the irresistible additions of crispy bacon and succulent shrimp. The rendered bacon fat forms a savory base for the sauce, while the fresh garlic infuses everything with an amazing aroma. The quick cooking time for the shrimp ensures they stay tender, not rubbery, and the sauce comes together in minutes, clinging beautifully to the fettuccine. It’s an undeniably indulgent dish that feels incredibly gourmet, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare – a true show-stopper!

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this rich and flavorful Garlic Shrimp Bacon Alfredo (for 4 servings):

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 lb shrimp (455 g), peeled and deveined (medium or large)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream (480 mL)
• 1 lb fettuccine (455 g), cooked
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (110 g)
• ½ cup fresh parsley (20 g), chopped

Swaps and Notes

• Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for more rendered fat and substantial crispy bits. Turkey bacon can be used for a leaner alternative, but you might need a bit of olive oil to start.
• Shrimp: Medium or large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) work best. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted very dry before cooking for the best sear.
• Yellow Onion: A medium yellow onion, diced, will provide a sweet and savory base. You can use a red onion for a bolder flavor.
• Tomato: A fresh medium tomato, diced, adds a touch of freshness and acidity to balance the richness.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for the best aromatic flavor.
• Heavy Cream: This is essential for a rich, thick, and luxurious sauce. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half, as the sauce may not thicken properly or could curdle.
• Fettuccine: While fettuccine is classic for Alfredo, you can use other pasta shapes like linguine, spaghetti (like our Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce), or even penne.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano) will yield the best flavor and melt. Pre-grated cheese can be used in a pinch, but fresh is superior.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a beautiful pop of color and fresh herbaceousness for garnish. Don’t use dried parsley for this.

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Preparation

Let’s get this decadent Garlic Shrimp Bacon Alfredo cooking!

1. Cook Bacon: In a large pot (a Dutch oven or large, deep skillet works great), cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Remove the crispy bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave any rendered fat from cooking the bacon behind in the pot – this is pure flavor for your sauce!
2. Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp directly into the pot with the bacon fat. Season the shrimp generously with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook the shrimp over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, stirring occasionally, just until the shrimp is pink and opaque, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it will become tough and rubbery. Remove the cooked shrimp and set it aside with the bacon.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced yellow onion, diced tomato, and minced garlic to the pot with the remaining bacon fat. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and the garlic is fragrant, just starting to turn light golden (about 3-5 minutes). Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add Cream & Simmer: Pour in the 2 cups (480 mL) of heavy cream into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low.
5. Combine & Finish: Add the cooked fettuccine (which should be cooked al dente per package directions and drained). Return the cooked shrimp and crispy bacon to the pot. Add the 1 cup (110 g) of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ cup (20 g) of fresh chopped parsley. Stir gently but thoroughly until the cheese melts and the sauce nicely coats the shrimp and pasta. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t Drain All Bacon Fat: A small amount of bacon fat adds incredible flavor to the sauce base. If you have excessive fat (more than 2 tablespoons), you can drain some.
• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly! Remove it from the pan as soon as it’s opaque to keep it tender.
• Watch the Garlic: Garlic burns easily and will turn bitter if overcooked. Keep an eye on it!
• Low Heat for Cream Sauce: Once the cream is added, maintain a low simmer. High heat can cause cream sauces to separate or curdle.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: This is key for a smooth, creamy sauce that doesn’t clump.
• Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce.
• Serve Immediately: Creamy pasta dishes are best served hot and fresh, as the sauce will thicken as it cools.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Garlic Shrimp Bacon Alfredo is a rich and complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides:

• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: A must-have for soaking up every last drop of that creamy sauce!
• Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Steamed Asparagus or Broccoli: Lightly steamed green vegetables would complement the dish beautifully.
• White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay would pair beautifully with the seafood and cream.
• For other incredibly popular seafood dishes, consider our Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi or a zesty option like Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce can thicken and the pasta can soften upon cooling.

• Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce and restore creaminess. Reheating on the stovetop over very low heat, stirring constantly, is also an option. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for Alfredo sauce or pasta with creamy sauces, as the cream and cheese can separate upon thawing, leading to a grainy texture.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this Alfredo dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:

• For another amazing shrimp and pasta combination, check out our Easy 1-Pan Lemon Orzo Pasta with Shrimp in Under 30 Minutes!.
• If you’re a fan of rich, savory pasta dishes, our Creamy Garlic Butter Beef & Spinach Tortellini for Cozy Comfort is a must-try.
• And for a fresh, vibrant, and quick seafood meal, don’t miss our Shrimp Tacos!
• Finally, for a classic and comforting tomato-based pasta, our Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is always a winner.

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Final Thoughts

This Garlic Shrimp Bacon Alfredo recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, elegant, and incredibly flavorful meal to your table with ease. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, promising a bowl full of rich, creamy, and savory goodness that will make everyone happy.

Give this recipe a try and let the decadent flavors fill your kitchen! What’s your ultimate comfort food pasta dish? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!