Creamy Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo Recipe That Wows Every Time

Creamy pasta nights just got a delightful upgrade with this shrimp broccoli alfredo that promises pure comfort.

The classic Italian-inspired dish blends succulent shrimp with tender broccoli florets in a luxurious sauce.

Parmesan cheese melts into a silky blanket, coating every strand of perfectly cooked pasta.

Weeknight dinners can be this elegant and satisfying without complicated techniques.

Protein-packed and full of vegetables, this meal delivers balanced nutrition in every forkful.

Each bite combines the sweetness of shrimp with the gentle crunch of fresh broccoli.

Prepare to savor a restaurant-quality meal right from your own kitchen.

Why Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo Is a Go-To Pasta Dish

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up a delicious restaurant-style meal in just minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein from shrimp and vitamins from broccoli, creating a balanced and wholesome dinner that everyone will love.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A creamy, cheesy pasta dish that satisfies both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easy to customize with additional vegetables or swap proteins, giving you flexibility for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You Need for Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo Night

• Fettuccine Pasta: A classic pasta shape perfect for creamy sauces.

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds delightful ocean flavor.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable with a crisp texture.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Rich dairy base for a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Butter, Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps develop flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and tangy cheese that gives depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick for those who like heat.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb for garnish and freshness.

How to Cook Creamy Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

Sprinkle in some salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor.

Carefully add fettuccine or linguine and cook until it reaches al dente perfection, typically about 8-10 minutes.

Once done, drain the pasta in a colander, reserving a small amount of pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add olive oil and let it shimmer.

Toss in the peeled and deveined shrimp.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and become slightly curled, which takes about 2-3 minutes per side.

Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil.

Throw in fresh broccoli florets and sauté until they become bright green and slightly tender.

The broccoli should retain a slight crunch for the best texture.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low.

Add butter and let it melt completely.

Pour in heavy cream and stir continuously.

Gradually sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.

Gently toss to coat every strand.

Reintroduce the sautéed shrimp and broccoli, mixing everything until well combined and heated through.

Garnish with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serve immediately while the dish is hot and steamy.

Handy Tips for Shrimp Alfredo With Broccoli

• Select large, deveined shrimp and crisp broccoli florets for the best flavor and texture in your dish.
• Sauté shrimp quickly over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain their tender, juicy consistency.
• Briefly steam broccoli to retain its bright green color and maintain a slight crunch, avoiding mushy vegetables.
• Gradually add pasta water to create a silky, smooth Alfredo sauce that coats the ingredients evenly without becoming too thick or thin.
• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter version, and use gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary requirements.

How to Store and Warm Up Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo

• Store leftover Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a dry film from forming on the sauce and maintain moisture.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
• Skip microwaving if possible, as it can make the sauce grainy and separate the ingredients, compromising the dish's original texture and flavor.

Great Sides to Pair With Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo

• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to balance the creamy alfredo sauce and highlight the delicate shrimp flavors, cutting through the richness with bright acidity.
• Pair with Fresh Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty contrast against the rich pasta, adding freshness and cutting through the creamy texture.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up extra alfredo sauce, enhancing the meal's overall flavor profile and providing a satisfying crunch alongside the tender shrimp and pasta.
• Enhance with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top to introduce a vibrant, green note that lifts the dish's heaviness and adds a subtle aromatic dimension to the creamy alfredo.

Flavorful Variations for Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with rice noodles or zucchini spirals to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the creamy texture and flavor.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace shrimp with grilled tofu or roasted cauliflower chunks for a protein-packed alternative that keeps the classic Alfredo comfort.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Use cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the rich, creamy sauce.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese to create a plant-based Alfredo sauce that's equally indulgent.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

• How do I know if the shrimp are cooked correctly?

Shrimp turn from translucent gray to pink and curl into a “C” shape when fully cooked. They should take about 2-3 minutes to cook through.

• What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, but you can also use linguine, penne, or even spiral pasta depending on your preference.

• Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy shrimp broccoli alfredo pasta delivers a luxurious Italian-inspired dinner perfect for weeknight indulgence. Rich parmesan sauce and tender seafood combine with crisp broccoli, promising you a satisfying meal that impresses without complexity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Seafood:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

• 2 cups (300 grams) fresh broccoli florets

Pasta and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter

Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Drop the pasta and cook until it reaches an al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with a blend of salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a vibrant pink and develop a slight golden exterior.
3. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, introduce the broccoli florets, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender, maintaining a crisp texture.
4. Lower the heat and pour heavy cream into the skillet, gradually whisking in grated parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Incorporate minced garlic and a touch of nutmeg for depth of flavor, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
5. Drain the cooked pasta, then gently fold it into the creamy sauce. Reintroduce the sautéed shrimp and broccoli, tossing everything together until each ingredient is luxuriously coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of parmesan before serving hot.

Notes

• Always use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture in this dish.
• Slightly undercook the broccoli to maintain a crisp, vibrant green color and prevent mushy texture.
• Toast garlic briefly to enhance its aromatic qualities without burning, which can create a bitter taste.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and reduce the amount of butter.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 563
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 185 mg