Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli

Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like a creamy pasta. But when you elevate it with tender shrimp and fresh, vibrant broccoli, you get a dish that’s as wholesome as it is indulgent. This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli is the perfect combination of rich, cheesy sauce, succulent seafood, and nutritious greens — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a weeknight dinner, or craving a cozy solo meal, this recipe offers a restaurant-quality experience without the fuss. With its luscious Alfredo sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and bright bursts of broccoli, every bite is a celebration of flavor, texture, and comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

This dish isn’t just another pasta dinner. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your weekly rotation:

• Rich, Creamy Sauce: The homemade Parmesan Alfredo sauce is velvety smooth and deeply satisfying.
• Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Tender, juicy shrimp add protein and a touch of indulgence.
• Fresh Broccoli: Adds a pop of color, texture, and nutrition, balancing the richness of the sauce.
• Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in about 30 minutes — ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy flavor.
• Customizable: Switch pasta shapes, adjust seasoning, or swap in other veggies for variety.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s the full ingredient list for Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli, serving 4:

Alfredo Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta & Shrimp

• 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese, optional

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta and broccoli
• Colander for draining
• Large skillet for shrimp and sauce
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula for tossing pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions for a creamy, flavorful pasta that will impress every time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This ensures the broccoli is tender but still vibrant and crisp. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside, keeping them warm.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently. Gradually stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Broccoli

Add the cooked penne pasta, broccoli, and shrimp back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve hot immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly; remove from heat as soon as it turns pink.
• Keep broccoli crisp-tender: Adding it to the pasta pot in the last 2 minutes preserves its color and texture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives a smoother sauce than pre-grated cheese.
• Adjust consistency: Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen thick Alfredo sauce.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip shrimp and add roasted mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or fontina cheese for extra creaminess.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish balances rich, creamy, cheesy sauce with succulent shrimp and bright, slightly crunchy broccoli.

• Taste: The Alfredo sauce is savory and decadent, complemented by the natural sweetness of shrimp and freshness of broccoli.
• Texture: Creamy sauce coats al dente pasta, while shrimp is tender and broccoli offers a gentle bite.

Side Dishes That Pair Well

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted cherry tomatoes or asparagus

Nutritional Overview

Approximate nutrition per serving (serves 4):

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	650 kcal	Moderate indulgence
Protein	35 g	High from shrimp
Carbohydrates	50 g	From pasta
Fat	35 g	From butter, cream, and olive oil
Fiber	4 g	From broccoli
Sodium	Moderate	Can reduce by limiting added salt

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Pasta & Broccoli: Cook up to a day in advance; reheat briefly in boiling water before adding to sauce.
• Shrimp: Cooked shrimp can be stored for 1–2 days; best added fresh.
• Alfredo Sauce: Can be made ahead and gently reheated on low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to maintain smooth consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry to prevent excess water in the sauce.

2. Can I make this dish with other pasta shapes?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni all work beautifully.

3. How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from splitting?
Simmer cream gently and stir constantly when adding cheese. Avoid boiling.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, skip shrimp and increase broccoli or add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

5. How should leftovers be stored?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or cream.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep Ingredients	10 min
Cook Pasta & Broccoli	10 min
Cook Shrimp	5–6 min
Make Sauce & Combine	5–6 min
Total Time	30 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in shallow bowls to showcase shrimp and broccoli.
• Garnish generously with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
• Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Alfredo: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
2. Creamy Spinach Alfredo: Substitute broccoli with fresh spinach for a different green vegetable twist.
3. Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for tang and color.
4. Spicy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo: Season shrimp with Cajun spice for a bold flavor profile.

Ingredient Spotlight

Shrimp

• Look for fresh or frozen, peeled, and deveined shrimp for convenience.
• Store in the coldest part of the fridge and use within 1–2 days.
• Mild, slightly sweet flavor makes shrimp perfect for creamy sauces.

Broccoli

• Choose bright green, firm florets for best taste and texture.
• Store in the fridge in a perforated bag; use within a few days.
• Adds fiber, color, and nutrition to balance the rich sauce.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Cook pasta just until al dente; it will continue to absorb sauce.
• Use the same skillet for shrimp and sauce to capture flavorful fond.
• Add cheese gradually to prevent clumping and ensure a silky sauce.
• Toss pasta and sauce off the heat for a creamier finish.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Leftovers: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for Alfredo sauce as cream may separate. Freeze pasta and shrimp separately without sauce if needed.
• Reheating: Warm gently over low heat, stirring constantly, and add cream or milk to restore sauce consistency.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	650 kcal	Rich and satisfying
Protein	35 g	Shrimp is the main source
Carbs	50 g	From pasta
Fat	35 g	Butter, olive oil, cream
Fiber	4 g	From broccoli
Sodium	Moderate	Adjust to taste

Dietary Notes: Gluten-containing (unless using gluten-free pasta), contains dairy, seafood-friendly.

Expanded Conclusion

This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli is the ultimate comfort meal — creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Succulent shrimp, tender broccoli, and rich Parmesan sauce come together in a way that’s both indulgent and approachable. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or whenever you crave a touch of luxury without leaving home.

Give it a try, make it your own with suggested variations, and enjoy the smiles that come with sharing a hearty, flavorful dish. Once you master this recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: 650 kcal

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