We love our scampi or alfredo with any meats, shrimp, and crab are the two favorites; however, chicken and other meats can be substituted.
Mix and match, however, your family likes theirs with these easy, quick sauces.
My Grandmother made a different style of Authentic Alfredo that was a staple when she grew up in Italy, and has no cream in it like the American version.
If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and comforting without spending hours in the kitchenI recommend Chicken Alfredo. It's super creamy and hearty. If you want a light sauce, then try the scampi sauce and add whatever you prefer to it.
Why You Will Love These Recipes for Scampi or Alfredo Sauce
- Alfredo Sauce
- Quick and Simple – Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Creamy and Comforting – Rich Parmesan garlic sauce that coats every bite.
- Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love it.
- Customizable – Easy to add vegetables, swap proteins, or lighten it up.
- Better Than Takeout – Fresh ingredients make all the difference.
- Delicious Add-Ins & Variations
- For the Scampi Sauce: This recipe is incredibly versatile.
- Bright, fresh lemon flavor
- Light but incredibly flavorful
- Comes together in under 10 minutes
- Perfect for shrimp, scallops, or even chicken
- Restaurant-quality taste with simple pantry ingredients
Delicious Add-ins and Variations
- Steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, spinach (stir in at the end) roasted red peppers, peas
- Shrimp, grilled salmon, Italian sausage, rotisserie chicken (for an even quicker meal), crispy bacon pieces,
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream
- Use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried
- Add extra vegetables to stretch the sauce
- Serve over zucchini noodles. Try spaghetti squash
Tips for Alfredo and Scampi
- Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly
- Don’t boil the sauce – Keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent separation.
- Season every layer – Pasta water should be well salted.
- Let chicken rest before slicing – Keeps it juicy. Add cheese slowly – Stir constantly for a smooth, creamy finish.
- For Scampi
- Use Fresh Garlic.
- A dry white wine works best
- Simmer the wine 2–3 minutes
- If adding shrimp, cook just until pink and opaque (2–3 minutes per side).
- Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough
- Scampi sauce is best fresh.
- It’s light and buttery, so it should be served right away for the best texture.
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Sauce Recipes
Either sauce is versatile, and you can add and make this any way you like.
I would love to hear how you like your Alfredo sauce or Scampi sauce and additions you may like so please leave me a comment.
Again, there is no right and wrong when getting creative, adapting new recipes to how your family loves is all that matter so when reading the recipes, stick with the basic sauce and refer to additions.

Scampi or Alfredo Sauce Recipes
If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and comforting without spending hours in the kitchenI recommend Chicken Alfredo. It's super creamy and hearty. If you want a light sauce, then try the scampi sauce and add whatever you prefer to it.
Ingredients
- Alfredo
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional but recommended)
- salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Scampi
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Alfredo Directions
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
- Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes (do not boil).
- Reduce the heat to low and whisk in Parmesan cheese gradually.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a tiny pinch of nutmeg if desired.
- Toss immediately with hot pasta. See notes for alternatives and add-ins
- Scampi Directions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
- Pour in white wine and simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in parsley and toss with shrimp and pasta immediately.
Notes
Delicious Add-ins and Variations
- Steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, spinach (stir in at the end) roasted red peppers, peas
- Shrimp, grilled salmon, Italian sausage, rotisserie chicken (for an even quicker meal), crispy bacon pieces,
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream
- Use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried
- Add extra vegetables to stretch the sauce
- Serve over zucchini noodles. Try spaghetti squash
Tips for Alfredo and Scampi
- Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly
- Don’t boil the sauce – Keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent separation.
- Season every layer – Pasta water should be well salted.
- Let chicken rest before slicing – Keeps it juicy. Add cheese slowly – Stir constantly for a smooth, creamy finish.
- For Scampi
- Use Fresh Garlic.
- A dry white wine works best
- Simmer the wine 2–3 minutes
- If adding shrimp, cook just until pink and opaque (2–3 minutes per side).
- Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough
- Scampi sauce is best fresh.
- It’s light and buttery, so it should be served right away for the best texture.
The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies
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Sauce Recipes to Try
Calamari Sauce
Traditional Sunday Sauce
Bolognese Sauce
Puttanesca Sauce
Marinara Sauce
Disclosure: This recipe was originally shared in 2015. It was edited and re-published in 2020.






