Baked Shrimp Parmesan Alfredo Seafood Cups

Shrimp Alfredo Cups are a creamy, cheesy seafood appetizer made with tender shrimp, rich Alfredo sauce, Parmesan, mozzarella, and crisp pastry or wonton-style cups. Shrimp Alfredo Cups combine the comfort of creamy pasta flavors with the convenience of a handheld appetizer, giving you a warm, savory bite with plenty of seafood flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 to 22 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cups

Ingredients

For the Seafood Filling

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Ingredients For the Alfredo Mixture

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of nutmeg, optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cups

• 12 wonton wrappers or small puff pastry squares
• Cooking spray or melted butter
• 1/4 cup extra mozzarella for topping
• 2 tablespoons extra Parmesan for topping
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Lemon wedges for serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp Alfredo Cups are creamy, savory, and easy to serve. Each cup holds a rich seafood filling, so guests can enjoy the flavor of shrimp Alfredo without needing plates of pasta.

Another reason to love Shrimp Alfredo Cups is their versatility. You can serve them as a holiday appetizer, party snack, brunch bite, or light dinner alongside a salad.

How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Cups

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F or 190°C.

Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray or melted butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Wrappers

Press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, shaping it gently against the sides.

If using puff pastry, cut it into squares large enough to fit the muffin cups.

Bake the empty shells for 4 to 5 minutes to help them stay crisp after the filling is added.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

Toss with olive oil, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until just pink.

Do not overcook because the shrimp will finish cooking in the oven.

Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Start the Alfredo Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium.

Melt the butter in the same skillet.

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Whisk in the flour and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 6: Add the Cream and Milk

Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk while whisking continuously.

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture begins to thicken.

The sauce for Shrimp Alfredo Cups should be creamy but still easy to spoon.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low.

Stir in the Parmesan, mozzarella, cream cheese, garlic powder, and optional nutmeg.

Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper if needed.

Step 8: Combine the Shrimp and Sauce

Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet.

Gently fold everything together until the shrimp is evenly coated with the Alfredo sauce.

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 9: Fill the Cups

Spoon the shrimp Alfredo mixture evenly into the partially baked shells.

Avoid overfilling so the sauce does not spill over the sides.

At this stage, Shrimp Alfredo Cups should look generously filled but still neat enough to bake cleanly.

Step 10: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle each cup with a little mozzarella and Parmesan.

The extra cheese will melt and create a lightly golden top.

Step 11: Bake

Return the muffin pan to the oven.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the shells are crisp and golden and the filling is bubbling.

Step 12: Rest and Garnish

Let Shrimp Alfredo Cups rest in the pan for 5 minutes.

Carefully loosen the edges with a butter knife and transfer the cups to a serving platter.

Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp Alfredo Cups are best served warm while the shells are crisp and the filling is creamy.

Pair Shrimp Alfredo Cups with a fresh green salad, roasted asparagus, cucumber salad, or a simple tomato salad for a lighter meal.

For another wholesome snack idea, try our Healthy Flourless Nut & Seed Cookies packed with oats, nuts, seeds, nut butter, and a touch of natural sweetness.

Recipe Tips

Pat the shrimp dry before cooking so they sear instead of steaming.

Use freshly grated Parmesan because it melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.

Do not overcook the shrimp in the skillet. Slightly undercooking them at first helps keep them tender after baking.

For the best Shrimp Alfredo Cups texture, pre-bake the shells for a few minutes before adding the filling.

Keep the sauce slightly thick so it stays inside the cups.

Easy Variations

Shrimp Alfredo Cups are easy to customize.

Add chopped spinach for extra color and a creamy spinach-Alfredo flavor.

For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, or a small spoonful of hot sauce.

You can make Shrimp Alfredo Cups with chopped crab, scallops, or a combination of seafood.

A little pesto can also be stirred into the Alfredo sauce for a basil-forward version. Fresh parsley, chives, or a small squeeze of lemon can brighten the finished filling without making it overly rich.

You may also enjoy our Air Fryer Samosa-Style Loaded Egg Cups for a savory, protein-rich breakfast or snack with bold spices and easy preparation.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The shrimp and Alfredo filling can be prepared several hours in advance.

Cool the filling completely, cover, and refrigerate.

For the best texture, assemble Shrimp Alfredo Cups shortly before baking.

If the filling is cold from the refrigerator, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Shrimp Alfredo Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

For the best texture, reheat them in a 350°F or 175°C oven for 8 to 10 minutes.

An air fryer can also work for reheating if you use one for this purpose, but keep the temperature moderate so the edges do not burn.

Freezing is not ideal because creamy sauces and crisp shells can lose their texture after thawing.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per cup:

Calories: 190
Protein: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 360 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the wrappers, cheeses, cream, shrimp size, and serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely, drain well, and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I use cooked shrimp?

Yes. Add fully cooked shrimp near the end of preparing the sauce so it does not become rubbery.

Can I use puff pastry instead of wonton wrappers?

Yes. Puff pastry creates a richer, flakier shell. Cut it into squares and press into the muffin pan.

Can I make Shrimp Alfredo Cups ahead?

Yes. Prepare the filling and shells separately, then assemble and bake shortly before serving.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers are all good additions.

Why is my Alfredo sauce too thin?

Simmer it a little longer before adding the cheese, or add a small amount of additional Parmesan.

Can I serve these as a main course?

Yes. Serve two or three cups per person with salad or vegetables for a light meal.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp Alfredo Cups are an easy way to turn classic creamy seafood flavors into a neat, party-friendly appetizer.

Because Shrimp Alfredo Cups combine tender shrimp, garlic, Parmesan, mozzarella, and rich Alfredo sauce inside crisp baked shells, every bite has a satisfying mix of creamy and crunchy textures.

Keep this Shrimp Alfredo Cups recipe handy for holidays, parties, family gatherings, brunches, or special dinners when you want something that looks impressive without requiring complicated preparation.

With golden edges, bubbling cheese, tender shrimp, and a creamy center, Shrimp Alfredo Cups are a warm seafood appetizer that is simple to prepare, easy to serve, and delicious straight from the oven.