Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
If you’re dreaming of the creamiest, most satisfying bowl of alfredo—brimming with juicy chicken, tender shrimp, and vibrant veggies—this Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo is truly a dinner you’ll want on repeat. The air fryer effortlessly turns out golden, savory chicken and plump shrimp, which get nestled atop a pile of perfectly cooked pasta before being blanketed in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to wow your family or friends. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll never go back to bland jarred sauces again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
I absolutely love how this Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo keeps things straightforward, letting each ingredient shine. Every piece of the puzzle brings its own magic to the table—this recipe is proof that sometimes you really can have it all: creamy, savory, fresh, and just a bit indulgent!
- Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for soaking up all those seasonings and cooks up beautifully juicy in the air fryer.
- Uncooked shrimp: Go for thawed, cleaned, deveined, and tail-off shrimp—quick to cook, super tender, and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Steak seasoning: A blend of bold spices gives depth and easy flavor; swap in garlic salt and black pepper if you prefer.
- Unsalted butter: The base for our dreamy Alfredo sauce, it adds richness without being overly salty.
- Heavy cream: This creates that luscious, silky texture that makes Alfredo sauce so irresistible—look for “whipped cream” or “double cream” if you’re shopping internationally.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is a must, adding warm, aromatic notes that round out the sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan: Skip the pre-grated tubs and grate your own for the best melt, flavor, and creaminess.
- Nutmeg: A tiny pinch goes a long way, waking up the whole sauce with a subtle, comforting warmth.
- White pepper: Adds gentle heat and an elegant, earthy vibe without overpowering the other flavors.
- Fresh parsley (or basil): A sprinkle of freshness brings color, flavor, and a pop of green to every plate.
- Uncooked pasta (fettuccine or zucchini noodles): Use a hearty pasta shape to hold all that creamy sauce—zoodles are wonderful for a lighter twist.
- Salted water: Properly seasoned cooking water means flavorful pasta from the inside out.
- Broccoli florets (or other veggie): Quick-cooked in the pasta water, broccoli adds color and nutrition without extra fuss.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil—this is your ticket to perfectly-seasoned pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package’s instructions, and during the final 2-3 minutes, toss in broccoli florets (or your favorite veggie) so they cook just until crisp-tender. Once both pasta and broccoli are done, drain and give everything a quick rinse with cool water. Gently toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside while the rest of your Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo comes together.
Step 2: Prep the Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp
This step is where the air fryer truly shines! Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil so nothing sticks. Arrange the chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces if you like) and shrimp in an even layer, then sprinkle generously with your steak seasoning. Give the basket a little shake to coat everything, setting the stage for well-seasoned, juicy proteins.
Step 3: Air Fry Chicken and Shrimp
Set your air fryer to 350°F. Cook the chicken and shrimp for 15–20 minutes, stirring or shaking every 5 minutes so both cook evenly and develop that irresistible golden color. Keep an eye on things; shrimp can cook faster, so remove them early if needed. Bite into a piece to check for doneness—juicy is the goal!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
While the chicken and shrimp work their magic, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently heat up, stirring to blend. Add the freshly minced garlic and a cup of Parmesan, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Gradually add the remaining cheese, stirring as you go until you get a luxurious, thick sauce. Season with a pinch of nutmeg, white pepper, and stir in chopped parsley or basil. The aroma is unbeatable!
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
To finish, plate a generous scoop of pasta and broccoli, then top with the air-fried chicken and shrimp. Pour the hot Alfredo sauce over everything, letting it cascade down and coat every nook and cranny. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and dive in while it’s creamy and warm!
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
Garnishes
A final flourish truly makes each bowl of Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo sing! Try extra shaved Parmesan, ribbons of basil or parsley, and even a light zesting of lemon for brightness. Freshly ground black pepper or red pepper flakes are delicious if you’re craving a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
This luxurious pasta pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread, a mixed green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette, or roasted veggies like asparagus or bell peppers. The Alfredo sauce is rich, so something crisp and fresh balances your plate perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo in pretty pasta bowls for a classic look, or try family-style on a big platter for easy sharing. For a fun twist, use zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb dinner, or top with microgreens for an elegant restaurant vibe. Impress your guests—or just yourself!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo to an airtight container once cooled. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a real treat for lunch or another fuss-free dinner!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken, shrimp, and Alfredo sauce (keep the pasta separate for best texture). Use a tightly sealed freezer-safe container, and freeze portions for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring regularly and adding a splash of milk or cream to keep things silky. You can also microwave individual servings, pausing to stir every 30 seconds so the sauce heats evenly and doesn’t separate.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely—just add them towards the end of air frying to warm through without drying out. Pre-cooked shrimp only need a few minutes, and rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for busy nights.
What pasta shapes work best with this recipe?
Fettuccine is classic for Alfredo, but linguine, tagliatelle, or even rigatoni all hold the sauce nicely. Zucchini noodles are a great gluten-free or lighter option and taste delicious with the creamy sauce.
Can I make this Alfredo sauce lighter?
For a lighter take on Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. The sauce will still be creamy, just a bit less rich.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Certainly! Cook the chicken, shrimp, and sauce up to one day ahead, then reheat gently before mixing with freshly cooked pasta and veggies. Store components separately for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t own an air fryer, you can bake or sauté the chicken and shrimp. Bake at 400°F until cooked through or pan-cook over medium-high heat in a little olive oil, then follow the recipe as written!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo for yourself. It’s one of those dishes that feels like an occasion every time, yet is absolutely doable on any weeknight. Treat your loved ones or just spoil yourself—you deserve it, and so does your dinner table!
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Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in a luxurious and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo that’s rich, creamy, and satisfying. This recipe combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a decadent Alfredo sauce served over pasta or zucchini noodles for a truly delightful meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Shrimp:
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 lb uncooked shrimp (thawed if frozen, cleaned, de-veined, peeled, tails removed)
- 1–2 tablespoons steak seasoning (to taste, or use garlic salt and black pepper)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (or basil)
For Serving:
- 1 lb uncooked pasta (such as fettuccine or zucchini noodles)
- Salted water (for cooking pasta)
- Broccoli florets (or other veggies)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water for the pasta. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Optional: Add broccoli florets during the last 2-3 minutes. Drain, rinse, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
- Air Fry Chicken and Shrimp: Preheat air fryer. Season chicken and shrimp, then air fry at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Add heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan. Stir in nutmeg, white pepper, and parsley.
- Serve: Pour Alfredo sauce over cooked pasta, chicken, shrimp, and broccoli.
Notes
- You can customize the seasoning to your preference.
- Feel free to add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fry, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 265mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo, Alfredo Pasta Recipe, Creamy Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
