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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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