This Shrimp Alfredo recipe has the best homemade sauce that’s easy to make and serve with pasta. You’ll think it came from a restaurant!.
These days I’ve been enjoying adding more shrimp recipes to my collection. Classic Shrimp Alfredo is one of my favorites. (With a buttery panko topping that’s truly amazing!).
The mix of Parmesan and Asiago cheese in this recipe, along with the perfect amount of seasoning, makes it delicious. I like to add some fresh lemon juice at the end to give it a nice touch. It makes the shrimp taste even better.
Before you start, you should “mise en place” or measure out the ingredients because this one goes really, really fast. It’s definitely a 30 minute meal that you’ll want to keep on hand!.
Please read my professional cooking tips for shrimp below, as well as my professional cooking tips for making the smoothest, tastiest alfredo sauce ever!
Shrimp alfredo is a beloved Italian-American dish – tender shrimp in a rich and creamy cheese sauce over pasta. It’s comfort food at its finest. But like any perishable food, leftovers need to be handled properly to maximize freshness and avoid waste. So how long does shrimp alfredo last in the fridge before it goes bad?
The Key Factors Affecting Shrimp Alfredo’s Shelf Life
Shrimp alfredo contains two main components – cooked shrimp and alfredo sauce. The shelf life of the combined dish depends on the freshness of each part:
Cooked Shrimp
- Lasts 3-4 days in the fridge
- Store in airtight container
- Keep on bottom shelf at 40°F or below
Alfredo Sauce
- 1 week past “best by” date for store-bought
- 3-5 days for homemade sauce
- 4-7 days once opened
The Fridge Life of Leftover Shrimp Alfredo
Based on the shelf lives above, leftover shrimp alfredo will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored properly
The cooked shrimp has a slightly shorter fridge life compared to the alfredo sauce To maximize the shelf life of the combined dish, it’s best to consume shrimp alfredo within 3-4 days.
Go by whichever ingredient expires first – the shrimp or the sauce. Don’t let it linger longer than 4 days refrigerated.
Storing Shrimp Alfredo for Maximum Freshness
To get the full 3-4 days of fridge life from shrimp alfredo leftovers, follow these storage tips:
- Let the dish cool completely before refrigerating.
- Transfer to an airtight container. This prevents drying out.
- Put leftovers in the coldest part of the fridge, away from the door.
- If reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
Proper storage is key to preventing premature spoilage.
Freezing Leftover Shrimp Alfredo
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of leftover shrimp alfredo for several months. Here’s how to freeze it safely:
- Portion into airtight freezer bags or containers. Leave 1⁄2 inch headspace.
- Label with contents and freeze-by date.
- Freeze within 2 hours of cooking for best quality.
- Store at 0°F or colder.
- Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Frozen properly, shrimp alfredo will keep for 3-6 months in the freezer.
How To Tell If Shrimp Alfredo Has Spoiled
Being able to identify signs of spoiled shrimp alfredo can prevent foodborne illness. Watch for:
Shrimp
- Strange odor, mushy texture
- Dull or slippery appearance
Alfredo Sauce
- Curdled, separated, watery
- Moldy spots
- Sour smell
Dish
- Alfredo separated from shrimp
- Sour, unpleasant odor
Storage
- Leftovers kept past 3-4 days in fridge
When in doubt, remember the old saying “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t take chances with seafood-based dishes.
Safe Reheating of Leftover Shrimp Alfredo
Proper reheating destroys any bacteria that may have multiplied on refrigerated shrimp alfredo. Follow these tips:
- Reheat gently on stovetop over medium-low heat.
- Stir frequently to prevent curdling.
- Discard if left at room temp for over 2 hours.
- Heat to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Only reheat shrimp alfredo once for safety and quality.
Storing and Reheating Take-Out Shrimp Alfredo
Got leftovers from a restaurant meal? Handle them with the same care:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours (within 1 hour if temps exceed 90°F).
- Store in shallow containers for faster cooling.
- Eat within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
- Reheat thoroughly to 165°F on the stovetop over medium heat.
The same food safety principles apply to take-out!
The Bottom Line
When stored properly in the fridge, leftover shrimp alfredo will keep for 3-4 days. Freeze for longer storage. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage and don’t hesitate to discard leftovers that look or smell “off.” Follow the storage, freezing, and reheating guidelines above to safely enjoy shrimp alfredo again and again!
How to Make It
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Toast the panko breadcrumbs in butter and garlic powder until brown. Set aside.
Sauté the shrimp in olive oil for about 1 minute + 20 seconds per side, set aside.
Boil the fettuccine according to package instructions while you prepare the sauce.
Melt butter in the same pan that you used to cook the shrimp. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
Add the seasonings and half and half in splashes, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the grated cheese. Taste, and season with salt/pepper if desired.
Reserve some pasta water for the sauce to control the consistency if needed. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. Add the cooked shrimp and toss, heat through for 1 minute. Remove from heat and squeeze a little lemon on top. Garnish with red pepper flakes, parsley, and toasted panko. Serve with lemon wedges!.
How To Make Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta – 30 Minute Meal
FAQ
How long can leftover shrimp alfredo last in the fridge?
Can you eat Alfredo after 5 days?
Is shrimp alfredo good after 3 days?
Is shrimp still good after 5 days in the fridge?
How long does shrimp last in the fridge?
If cooked and stored properly, shrimp can last in the fridge for up to 4 days. However, there are a number of factors that can affect its freshness and safety, including how it was cooked, the temperature at which it was stored, and how long it was left outside of the fridge.
How do you cook frozen shrimp for Alfredo?
Thaw the shrimp if they are frozen and if not just jump in now. Cook over medium heat until the shrimp is bright pink and slightly curled. The meat should be opaque. Make your sauce using those creamy ingredients for alfredo: parmesan, cream cheese and cream. So EASY! You really don’t need any special equipment, however I do recommend…
Can you freeze cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can freeze cooked shrimp. To do so, let the shrimp cool down to room temperature and then store it in an airtight container or plastic bag in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight or under cold running water. What’s the best way to reheat cooked shrimp?
How long does raw shrimp last?
Raw shrimp lasts 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator. f you aren’t able to cook your raw shrimp within 2 days and it wasn’t previously frozen, you can freeze the raw shrimp to extend its shelf life to up to 3 months. To learn more about how to freeze uncooked shrimp, check out our guide, Exactly How to Freeze Everything.