Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli is one of those heartwarming dishes that seems to bring everyone to the table. I remember the first time I had it; my mom made a big pot during a rainy weekend. The smell of garlic and creamy cheese filled our kitchen, and a delicious meal wasn’t the only thing cooking—it felt like love and comfort were simmering, too. That’s what makes Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli a favorite among families. It’s rich, satisfying, and brings together the wonderful flavors of shrimp, cheese, and fresh vegetables. It’s worth trying because it transforms a simple evening into a special occasion, no matter if you’re dining alone or with family.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe stands out for a few reasons. First, it’s simple and quick to make, which is a huge help for busy weeknights. In about 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. The ingredients are easy to find, and many of them are things you might already have in your pantry.
The combination of shrimp, homemade Alfredo sauce, and broccoli makes this dish flavorful and nourishing. The shrimp adds a touch of elegance, while the creamy sauce envelops everything in a comforting hug. Plus, the broccoli not only adds a pop of color but also provides some healthy goodness to balance out the richness. It’s a meal that makes everyone at the table happy, and that’s a story we can all connect with. It’s an opportunity to bond over good food and share delightful moments.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli
Making Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli is straightforward and fun. You’ll start by cooking your pasta, which fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of boiling water and slightly salty steam. As the pasta cooks, you’ll be blending together flavors that will make your dish shine. The garlic sizzles in the butter, creating a warm, inviting smell that makes your mouth water.
Once the shrimp is added, it transforms from gray to a beautiful shade of pink, signaling that it’s ready to be mixed with the pasta and broccoli. When you pour the creamy Alfredo sauce over the pasta, broccoli, and shrimp, everything will come together in a beautiful, dreamy moment. The final touch of fresh parsley will brighten the dish, making it look as good as it tastes. The joy of serving a homemade meal with so much flavor and love is truly rewarding.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy base to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant kick that fills your kitchen with aroma.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy and velvety. You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty flavor and thickness to the sauce. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your choice of pasta): This is the base of the dish. You can also use spaghetti or fettuccine.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds a delicious seafood element. Substitute with chicken or tofu if you prefer.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Offers freshness and a healthy touch. You can swap for spinach if that’s what you have.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps cook the shrimp and adds flavor. You can replace it with butter if you like a richer taste.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Gives a lovely herbal flavor. You can use fresh herbs if you have them.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds color and freshness. Basil or chives can be used instead.
Directions
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Cook the Pasta: Start by filling a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. When it’s boiling, add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but still slightly firm when you bite it. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
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Add the Broccoli: Once the pasta is just about done, add the broccoli florets into the pot for the last 2 minutes of cooking. This will brighten it up and keep it crunchy.
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Drain: Once everything is cooked, carefully drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander. Give them a gentle shake to remove excess water and set them aside.
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Season the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, take the shrimp and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let them rest for a moment to absorb the flavors.
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Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. This step fills your kitchen with a beautiful seafood aroma. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside – you’ll add them back later.
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Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it.
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Stir in the Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. You want it to thicken slightly, become creamy, and start to bubble gently.
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Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and watch it melt into a beautiful sauce. At this point, taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
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Combine Everything: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Gently toss everything in the sauce until it’s fully coated. Then, add back the cooked shrimp and toss again to combine.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve it hot, and enjoy the delightful flavors!
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli can be served in a few lovely ways. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh garden salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. A warm garlic bread would also go wonderfully, providing a crunchy texture that complements the creaminess of the pasta.
For drinks, consider a refreshing lemonade or sparkling water. If you’re feeling more festive, a nice, non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice can add a celebratory touch. This dish is great for a weeknight dinner, cozy family gatherings, or when you want to impress guests without any fuss. Serve it on a nice plate to elevate the presentation. The bright colors and creamy texture will certainly catch everyone’s eye!
How to Store Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli
If you have leftovers (which is often the case), storing them is easy! First, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Then, you can transfer it to an airtight container. Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. However, before freezing, it’s best to portion out single servings so you can reheat just what you need. When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently. You can add a splash of milk to revive the creaminess if needed.
It’s best not to let it sit too long at room temperature, as creamy sauces can spoil quickly. Enjoy your leftovers while they’re fresh!
Tips to Make Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli
Here are some friendly tips to help you make the best Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli:
- Prep Ingredients First: Chop your garlic and broccoli, and measure the cheese before you start cooking. This way, you can focus on the cooking without feeling rushed.
- Do Not Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Watch them closely; when they turn pink, they are done. Overcooking will make them tough.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, save a cup of pasta water. If the sauce is too thick later, you can mix in a little saved water to get the right consistency.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh garlic and real Parmesan cheese makes a big difference in flavor.
- Take Your Time with the Sauce: Stirring the cream as it simmers helps it to thicken gently. Don’t rush this step; it’s key to a creamy sauce.
Variation
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli is flexible; you can reinvent it with these variations:
- Add More Veggies: You could include other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for added color and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: If you’re in the mood for some heat, try adding red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to the shrimp.
- Make It Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Substitute shrimp with chickpeas or mushrooms for protein.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and sauce just before serving. This will ensure everything is fresh and creamy.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
To reheat, place the pasta in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce’s creaminess, stirring gently until warmed through.
Q: Can I use a different cheese or pasta?
Absolutely! You can try different cheeses, such as mozzarella or a blend of cheeses. For pasta, you can use any shape you prefer, like fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta for an alternative.
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli is an inviting dish that brings comfort and warmth into your home. It’s not just about the flavors, but the delightful experience it creates around the table. Enjoy cooking, sharing, and loving every bite!
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Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A rich and satisfying dish that combines shrimp, creamy Alfredo sauce, and fresh broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. When boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the Broccoli: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta.
- Drain: Carefully drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.
- Season the Shrimp: Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes while stirring.
- Add Cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and taste for seasoning.
- Combine Everything: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce, then add back the cooked shrimp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley and more Parmesan if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. Ensure shrimp is not overcooked for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: creamy shrimp pasta, Alfredo pasta, shrimp Alfredo, comfort food, easy dinner