Dreamy Creamy Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe For Pasta Night

Whipping up a delectable broccoli shrimp alfredo promises pure culinary comfort for hungry souls.

Pasta lovers crave something special that feels both indulgent and simple.

Luxurious cream sauce hugs tender shrimp and vibrant green florets in a dance of flavors.

Each forkful brings creamy, rich textures that melt beautifully on your palate.

Marine sweetness from perfectly cooked seafood complements mild broccoli notes wonderfully.

Parmesan cheese adds depth and complexity to this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Creamy Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo That Impresses

• Crafting Gourmet Simplicity: Transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cooking skills, making sophisticated dining accessible for home cooks.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels, swap protein, or add vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs without compromising the dish's delicious essence.
• Perfect Family Dinner Solution: Packed with protein, vegetables, and creamy sauce, this one-pan recipe satisfies picky eaters while providing a nutritious, balanced meal everyone will love.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Streamlined preparation and single-skillet cooking method ensure a delectable dinner can be ready faster than ordering takeout, reducing kitchen cleanup and stress.

Ingredients for Creamy Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a delicate and sweet flavor to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese that adds a rich, salty, and nutty taste to the sauce.

• Fettuccine: Long, flat pasta that perfectly catches the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and a slight crunch to the recipe.

• Heavy Cream, Butter, Olive Oil: Dairy and fat ingredients that create a smooth and luxurious Alfredo sauce base.
• Garlic, Garlic Powder: Aromatic ingredients that provide a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the recipe.
• Paprika: Mild spice that adds a subtle warmth and color to the shrimp.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that brings a hint of heat to the creamy sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Garnish that adds a fresh, bright flavor and visual appeal to the final dish.

How to Cook Creamy Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Broccoli

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Slide the fettuccine into the bubbling water and cook according to the package guidelines. When the pasta is almost done, toss in the broccoli florets.

Let them cook together for the final few minutes. Drain the pasta and broccoli, keeping a small cup of the starchy water on the side.

Step 2: Sizzle the Shrimp

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Drop the seasoned shrimp into the hot pan.

Cook them quickly, about 1-2 minutes on each side, until they turn a beautiful pink color and look opaque. Scoop the shrimp out and set them aside.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, combine butter and olive oil. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for half a minute until fragrant.

• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Red pepper flakes

Keep stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.

Step 4: Marry the Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shrimp into the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together, making sure each piece gets a luxurious coating.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Let everything mingle and warm through for another minute or two.

Step 5: Plate and Celebrate

Transfer the creamy shrimp Alfredo to serving plates. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve immediately while it’s hot and irresistible!

Tips to Nail Creamy Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo

• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, ensuring a silky, perfectly coated dish every time.
• Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden sear and prevent watery cooking.
• Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for a smoother, more luxurious sauce that melts seamlessly into the cream.
• Toast garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, creating a deeper, richer taste profile.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from mild warmth to spicy kick.

Variations on Creamy Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo

• Spicy Southwest Shrimp Alfredo: Replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese, add diced green chiles, and sprinkle extra cayenne pepper for a bold, zesty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Seafood Pasta: Substitute shrimp with mixed seafood like scallops and calamari, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, and use feta cheese instead of Parmesan.
• Veggie-Loaded Protein Alfredo: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Lighter Cream Alternative: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, swap butter with olive oil, and add Greek yogurt for a tangy, healthier version of the classic Alfredo.

Pairings to Serve with Creamy Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce and cut through rich flavors, balancing the dish's heaviness with bright, refreshing notes.
• Create Herb-Infused Bread Companion: Prepare garlic butter crostini or rosemary focaccia to provide a crunchy texture contrast and absorb the luxurious Alfredo sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Match Refreshing Salad Side: Craft a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan, offering a crisp, tangy counterpoint to the creamy pasta and adding a fresh, zesty element to the meal.

Proper Storage for Creamy Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that cream-based sauces might slightly separate upon thawing.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine is ideal due to its wide, flat shape that perfectly captures the creamy Alfredo sauce, but you can also use linguine or penne as alternatives.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw frozen shrimp completely, pat dry with paper towels, and ensure they’re deveined before cooking to get the best flavor and texture.

• How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?

Shrimp is done when it turns pink and opaque, and curls slightly. Cooking time is typically 1-2 minutes per side, being careful not to overcook to prevent rubbery texture.

Creamy Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent creamy broccoli shrimp alfredo delivers a luxurious pasta experience that blends tender seafood with rich, velvety sauce. Marine and garden flavors dance together, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can savor right at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined)
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine (or pasta of choice)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook fettuccine until nearly al dente, approximately 6-7 minutes.
2. During the final 3 minutes of pasta cooking, introduce broccoli florets directly into the boiling water to ensure simultaneous cooking.
3. Drain the pasta and broccoli thoroughly, preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid for potential sauce adjustment. Set aside.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature, adding butter to create a golden cooking surface.
5. Season shrimp with a blend of salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring even coating across each piece.
6. Sear shrimp in the heated skillet, cooking approximately 1-2 minutes per side until they transform to a vibrant pink and become translucent. Remove and reserve.
7. In the same skillet, combine butter and olive oil, creating a rich cooking medium.
8. Introduce minced garlic, sautéing rapidly for 30 seconds to release aromatic oils without browning.
9. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to reach a gentle simmer. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring consistently.
10. Season the developing sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
11. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, whisking until achieving a smooth, luxurious consistency.
12. Fold cooked pasta, broccoli, and reserved shrimp into the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage.
13. If sauce appears too dense, gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.
14. Allow mixture to warm through for an additional 1-2 minutes, melding flavors comprehensively.
15. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Quickly pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden sear and prevent watery texture.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with cornstarch for thickening.
• Gluten-free option works great by using chickpea or rice pasta instead of traditional fettuccine.
• Toast garlic briefly to enhance its nutty flavor without burning, which can make the sauce bitter.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 586 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 557 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg