Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Chicken Alfredo
Tender chicken and juicy shrimp are pan-seared and tossed with pasta in a creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce infused with lemon and garlic. This indulgent dish is perfect for cozy dinners, date nights, or when you want something elegant and satisfying in under 40 minutes.
Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Shrimp:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
½ lb (225g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
For the Alfredo Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Juice & zest of 1 lemon
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
8 oz (225g) fettuccine or linguine
Salt for boiling water
Reserved ¼ cup pasta water
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente.
Drain, reserving ¼ cup pasta water.
2. Sear Chicken and Shrimp:
Season chicken and shrimp with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high.
Cook chicken slices until golden and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, cook shrimp 1–2 mins per side until pink and just cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Saute 1–2 mins until fragrant.
Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Parmesan, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and thickened (about 3–5 mins).
Add red pepper flakes if using.
4. Combine and Serve:
Add drained pasta into the sauce. Toss to coat.
Add chicken and shrimp back into the pan. Stir gently to combine.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan.
Serving Tips:
Serve with crusty garlic bread or steamed green beans.
Pair with a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this without cream?
A: Yes! Use a mixture of milk and a bit of cream cheese or a cashew cream base for a lighter alternative.
Q: Can I use precooked shrimp?
A: Yes, but add it at the very end to avoid overcooking.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 600
Protein: 40g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g