Shrimp alfredo is a delicious, creamy pasta dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich and savory alfredo sauce. It’s a popular choice for dinner parties or special occasions. But like any dish made with seafood, leftovers need to be handled with care. So how long does shrimp alfredo actually last in the fridge before it goes bad?
I did some research to find the answer In this article, I’ll share with you everything you need to know about storing shrimp alfredo, so you can keep enjoying it safely for as long as possible.
Overview: Shrimp Alfredo Has a Short Shelf Life
The bottom line is that shrimp alfredo won’t stay fresh for very long in the fridge. Cooked shrimp lasts 3-4 days, while raw shrimp only lasts 1-2 days. So once combined into shrimp alfredo, you have just 3-4 days before it will start to spoil.
It’s best to eat shrimp alfredo leftovers within 2 days for optimal flavor and texture. Freezing is your best bet if you want to keep it longer Frozen shrimp alfredo will last for 2-3 months in an airtight container
Proper storage is crucial for getting the most mileage out of your shrimp alfredo while keeping it safe to eat. So let’s get into the storage details.
Storing Cooked Shrimp Alfredo
When storing cooked shrimp alfredo:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave it out on the counter.
- Store in an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge (bottom shelf).
- Eat within 3-4 days for best quality.
- To freeze, allow to cool completely first. Then store in airtight freezer bags or containers. It will last 2-3 months frozen.
3-4 days is not a long time for leftovers. So only make as much shrimp alfredo as you can eat within that timeframe. Consider freezing individual portions right away for longer storage.
How to Tell if Shrimp Alfredo Has Gone Bad
It’s important to check your shrimp alfredo before eating to ensure safety. Here are the signs that shrimp alfredo has spoiled:
- Sour, ammonia-like or “off” smell
- Change in color, such as gray, blue, or green tint
- Slimy texture or mushy consistency
- Mold growing anywhere on it
If you notice any of these, throw the shrimp alfredo out. Don’t taste it or try to salvage parts of it. It’s not worth risking food poisoning.
Storing Raw Shrimp for Alfredo
If you’re making shrimp alfredo from scratch, here are some tips for storing the raw shrimp:
- Buy fresh, raw shrimp as close to cooking day as possible.
- Raw shrimp lasts just 1-2 days in the fridge.
- Keep raw shrimp as cold as possible. Store on ice or bottom shelf.
- If not using within 2 days, freeze shrimp for longer storage.
- Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Again, try to buy only as much raw shrimp as you will use in 1-2 days. Don’t let it linger too long before cooking.
Tips for Reheating Leftover Shrimp Alfredo
The safest way to reheat leftover shrimp alfredo is on the stovetop over low heat. Just put it in a saucepan and gently warm through, stirring occasionally until hot.
You can also reheat in the microwave, but shrimp can quickly go from just-heated to rubbery and overcooked. So microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, just until hot.
Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to thin out and smooth the sauce if needed. Enjoy your reheated shrimp alfredo within 3-4 days for best quality.
Can You Freeze Shrimp Alfredo?
Freezing is a great way to preserve shrimp alfredo so you can enjoy it for months instead of days. To freeze:
- Let cool completely first.
- Portion into freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label with date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw frozen shrimp alfredo overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce may separate, but will smooth out during reheating.
Tips for Making the Most of Shrimp Alfredo Leftovers
Here are some creative ways to use up shrimp alfredo leftovers while they’re still fresh:
- Stuff into ravioli or tortellini for a sauce built-in
- Top a baked potato along with bacon and cheese
- Fill a hollowed out bread loaf for shrimp alfredo bread bowl
- Fold into an omelet or frittata
- Use as a pizza topping instead of red sauce
- Stir into rice or pasta for a creamy shrimp fried rice/pasta
- Mix with riced cauliflower for a low carb shrimp alfredo
- Fill mushrooms caps and bake for easy shrimp alfredo bites
Common Questions
How can I make shrimp alfredo last longer?
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Store in airtight containers
- Portion into smaller containers to limit air exposure
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months
Can I reheat shrimp alfredo?
Yes, you can safely reheat shrimp alfredo. Heat gently on the stovetop or microwave just until hot. Use within 3-4 days.
What are the signs shrimp alfredo has spoiled?
- Sour, ammonia or “off” smell
- Slimy texture
- Changes in color
- Mold growth
Can I freeze cooked shrimp on its own?
Yes, cooked shrimp freezes well for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before using.
The Bottom Line
Shrimp alfredo is best when fresh, so try to eat any leftovers within 3-4 days. Freeze individual portions for longer storage. And monitor refrigerated shrimp alfredo closely for any signs of spoilage. Follow these tips, and you can safely enjoy shrimp alfredo without waste.