This Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo is a simple, yet delicious version of a classic comfort food dish.

Splurge on the Cheese!
If you've never bought Parmigiano Reggiano before, I'd say now's the time to go for it. Around the world, it is really considered the "King of Cheese". There's just something about the buttery and nutty flavor that is truly addictive. It's not cheap, so I don't use it often. But it really did take this simple Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo to another level.
The Process










And the AMAZING Result…
Expert Tips:
- The rule for cooking pasta in the Instant Pot is this… Divide the time on box in half, then subtract 2 more minutes. So if it says 8 minutes, you’d do 8 divided by 2 (which is 4) minus 2 — a total of 2 minutes with quick-pressure release. If you plan to substitute a different kind of pasta for this dish, adjust the cook time accordingly.
- Yes, the shrimp really will cook through using the residual heat and keep warm setting. The shrimp will turn pink and appear an opaque white, instead of clear, when fully cooked. See the process shots above for an example of uncooked shrimp versus the finished product picture.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, though gluten free pasta tends to absorb more liquid, so I recommend serving promptly. See the rule of thumb for adjusting pasta cook times above in the expert tips section for tips on how to adjust the cook time.
Can I add broccoli to this? If you choose to add broccoli, I recommend steaming it separately to avoid either mushy or undercooked broccoli.
Do you use raw or precooked shrimp? Raw. You are cooking the shrimp in step 8 of the recipe.
Can I add cream cheese to this? A reader shared with us that they added a block of cream cheese to the finished dish. So, can you do it? Sure, though it's not necessary as this dish perfectly creamy without the addition.
★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!★
📖 Recipe

Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1 lb. large shrimp 21/25
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp. garlic minced
- ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 16 oz. fettuccine broken in half
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 6 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese grated
Instructions
- Defrost shrimp (if frozen) in cold water. Then remove shells and tails.
- Add chicken broth, garlic, nutmeg, and salt to pot and mix well.
- Then add fettuccine noodles, making sure to spread them apart as much as possible. DO NOT STIR!
- Then add cream, making sure that all noodles are submerged. AGAIN… DO NOT STIR!!
- Lock lid and cook for 2 minutes at high pressure. Once cook time is complete, allow pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. Then quick-release remaining pressure. (If starchy bubbles try to escape the vent, simply close the vent for 30 seconds or so, then release again in intervals.)
- Meanwhile, using a microplane, grate Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
- Mix pasta and sauce well, making sure to break up any noodles that may be stuck together. Add all cheese to the pot and mix well.
- Finally, add shrimp to pot and mix, making sure to submerge all shrimp. Return lid to pot and let sit on keep warm setting for about 10 minutes. The shrimp will cook in the residual heat, and the sauce will thicken the longer it sits.
- Serve topped with cracked black pepper (and maybe more cheese).
Video
Notes
- In the U.S., the size of the shrimp is marked on the bag as count per pound. For this recipe, we used 21/25.
- You can substitute different kinds of pasta, even gluten-free pasta, by using this rule: Divide the time on box in half, then subtract 2 more minutes. So if it says 8 minutes, you’d do 8 divided by 2 (which is 4) minus 2 — a total of 2 minutes with quick-pressure release.Â
- This recipe uses raw, not precooked, shrimp.
- Yes, the shrimp really will cook through using the residual heat and keep warm setting. It is common for people to overcook their shrimp. Do not make this mistake! The shrimp will turn pink and appear an opaque white, instead of clear, when fully cooked. See the process shots above for an example of uncooked shrimp versus the finished product picture. If your shrimp is a bright white, it is most likely overcooked. Likewise, if all the shrimp is very tightly curled, it is most likely overcooked. The internal temperature of fully cooked shrimp is 120° F . Do not eat shrimp that is gray or translucent (clear) after cooking. If you shrimp is not cooked through after this step, do not place under pressure again. Instead, switch to sauté and allow to return to a boil, uncovered. Shut off pot as soon as a boil is reached.Â
- This dish can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in a tightly sealed container.
- If you choose to add broccoli, I recommend steaming it separately to avoid either mushy or undercooked broccoli.
Nutrition
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George
Excellent taste, also easy to make in no time at all.
Jennifer
I was so tired after working in the yard all day and had it in my head to make shrimp alfredo....but I just didn't want to muster out the pots and pans to make it. I looked at this recipe and it seemed ok so I gave it a shot. I am so glad I did!!! The shrimp was PERFECT and even better than if I had done it on my stove stop and so, so easy with little mess. This is a keeper and thank you for figuring this out because I never would have.
EricaJ
Super easy and very delicious! Thanks for the recipe! We've made several times.
Krista Durham
Wow! Made it for the first time last night. Absolutely amazing. Will never go back to my former method with jar alfredo sauce again. Wont even bother to order it at restaurants- this is better! I made it as the recipe said except eliminated the salt and nutmeg for health reasons. Due to an emergency the natural release went 10 minutes rather than 5 but the shrimp still cooked to perfection. Thanks for the recipe!
Gary White
So glad you enjoyed it!
Shay Rich
This was a definite hit for my family and was way less work than my normal from scratch Shrimp Alfredo. I sautéed some chicken I'd marinated in Italian dressing for 3 mins each side and added it with the shrimp. I also seasoned my shrimp for more flavor. Either way it was an easy make and a huge hit. Adding it to my list of fave quick meals. Thanks Chef Gary!