Say hello to cozy comfort with Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo— a luscious, creamy pasta dish that looks restaurant-fancy yet comes together easily in your own kitchen. Delicate shrimp and vibrant green broccoli mingle with silky fettuccine, all wrapped in a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce that’s as indulgent as it is simple. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight treat or planning a weekend dinner that feels special, this Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is about to become your new favorite for its unbeatable combination of flavor, texture, and a pop of wholesome veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo brings something important to the table, from the plump shrimp to the tender broccoli and decadent cream sauce. Simple staples work culinary magic when they come together, so try not to skip a thing!
- Fettuccine or linguine pasta: These long noodles grab onto the creamy sauce perfectly; use your favorite type Main Course.
- Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for convenience—they cook fast, turning juicy and tender in no time.
- Olive oil: Just a bit keeps the shrimp from sticking and adds deep, subtle flavor.
- Fresh garlic: Minced garlic infuses the Alfredo sauce with aromatic, savory notes—it’s the secret to mouthwatering depth.
- Fresh broccoli florets: These add bright color, tender crunch, and a bit of nutrition in every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps develop the silky texture of the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The heart and soul of Alfredo sauce—decadent, thick, and impossibly smooth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For maximum creaminess, use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts beautifully and packs authentic flavor.
- Salt: Essential for highlighting all the beautiful flavors—don’t skimp!
- Black pepper: A pinch of pepper adds gentle warmth and balances the creaminess.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle heat, add a shake for a little kick.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a fresh finish and a burst of vibrant color.
How to Make Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the fettuccine or linguine. About two minutes before it’s finished cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. This timing ensures the broccoli stays bright green and just tender, while the pasta ends up perfectly al dente. Once both are done, drain them together—no extra pans needed!
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
While your pasta and broccoli are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your shrimp in a single layer, letting them cook undisturbed for two to three minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Scoop them out and set them aside for later—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce at the end.
Step 3: Build the Alfredo Sauce
In the now-empty skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and stir for just a minute, enjoying that amazing aroma wafting through your kitchen. Pour in the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of zing.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli right into the skillet with your Alfredo sauce, making sure every noodle is coated in creamy goodness. Return the shrimp to the pan and gently toss or stir until everything is evenly heated through. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the finished Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve straight away, and get ready for that first incredible forkful!
How to Serve Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley instantly lifts the look and flavor, making your Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo pop on the plate. For even more deliciousness, finish with an extra dusting of Parmesan or a light squeeze of lemon to brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a one-bowl wonder, but if you’d like a little extra, serve it alongside some crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette. The bread is perfect for mopping up extra Alfredo sauce, while the salad adds a crisp contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, serve Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo family-style in a big, shallow pasta bowl, or plate it individually with a twist of noodles set in the center and shrimp and broccoli strategically perched on top. Garnish each portion with a parsley leaf and a little lemon zest for restaurant flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo to room temperature, then transfer into airtight containers. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but can be brought back to creamy life with proper reheating.
Freezing
Freezing creamy sauces has its risks, but if you want to stash some away, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—the texture may change slightly, but a gentle stir and a splash of cream or milk can smooth it out.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk and gently warm your Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly. This keeps the cream sauce from separating and prevents the shrimp from overcooking. The microwave can work in a pinch—just use 50 percent power and stir every 30 seconds until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp are a great shortcut—just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking, so they sear nicely and don’t water down your Alfredo sauce.
Is it possible to make Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo lighter?
Yes, you can sub in half-and-half for the heavy cream or use a lower-fat milk, but keep in mind that the sauce will be less thick and rich. Reduce the amount of cheese slightly if you want even fewer calories.
Which pasta shape works best with this dish?
Fettuccine or linguine are classic, but short shapes like penne or farfalle will also catch the sauce well. Use whatever pasta speaks to you!
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
The key is gentle heat. Simmer your cream—don’t boil—and add the Parmesan gradually, whisking constantly. This creates a smooth, velvety Alfredo every time.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo welcomes extras like snap peas, asparagus, or baby spinach. Just blanch or sauté additional veggies so they blend seamlessly into the creamy mix.
Final Thoughts
If you adore comfort food that’s bursting with flavor and color, you won’t want to miss out on making Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo. It truly transforms a handful of basic ingredients into something worthy of a celebration, and it’s bound to be requested again and again at your table. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with every creamy forkful!
Print
Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo, a delightful dish combining tender shrimp, fresh broccoli, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, served over fettuccine pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, adding broccoli in the last 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in olive oil until pink; set aside.
- Make Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, add cream, simmer, then add Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine: Toss drained pasta, broccoli, shrimp, and sauce together.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Enhance with fresh lemon juice on shrimp.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free pasta if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
