Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo

There’s something irresistible about the rich aroma of garlic butter mingling with the sweetness of shrimp, all cloaked in a silky Alfredo sauce. Add in vibrant green broccoli florets, and you have a dish that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. This creamy shrimp and broccoli Alfredo is a comforting, elegant meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet comes together easily in your own kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Behind the Recipe

This dish was born out of my craving for something indulgent yet balanced. I wanted that luscious, creamy Alfredo experience without sacrificing a fresh element to lighten it up. The answer was broccoli — tender yet slightly crisp, with a bright flavor that cuts through the richness. Pair that with juicy shrimp, and it’s a match made in weeknight dinner heaven.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

While Alfredo sauce traces its roots back to early 20th-century Rome, the American adaptation we know today is richer, often incorporating cream and additional cheese. Shrimp Alfredo is a popular evolution, bringing together Italian-inspired sauce with seafood’s delicate sweetness. Adding broccoli is a more modern twist, turning the dish into a balanced meal with vegetables seamlessly integrated.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo

Versatile: Perfect for a casual family dinner or an impressive date-night dish.
Budget-Friendly: Uses accessible ingredients without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Customizable: Swap pasta types or adjust vegetables to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor — what’s not to love?
Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated.
Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for next-day enjoyment.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Start with fresh shrimp for the sweetest, juiciest bites.
Blanch broccoli just until bright green to maintain its color and texture.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Grate your Parmesan fresh for the best flavor and melt.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large pot: For cooking pasta and blanching broccoli.
Large skillet: To sauté shrimp and make the Alfredo sauce.
Colander: For draining pasta and vegetables.
Tongs: Perfect for tossing pasta with sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons: To keep ingredient proportions accurate.

Ingredients in Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo

The beauty of this recipe lies in how each ingredient works in harmony, creating a dish greater than the sum of its parts.

1. Fettuccine pasta: 12 ounces, forms the comforting base.
2. Large shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined for sweet, tender bites.
3. Broccoli florets: 3 cups, bringing a fresh, vibrant contrast.
4. Butter: 4 tablespoons, for rich sautéing and sauce base.
5. Garlic cloves: 4, minced to infuse the sauce with depth.
6. Heavy cream: 1 ½ cups, for a luscious, velvety sauce.
7. Parmesan cheese: 1 cup freshly grated, adding nutty, salty complexity.
8. Salt: 1 teaspoon, to balance flavors.
9. Black pepper: ½ teaspoon, for a gentle heat.
10. Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, to prevent shrimp from sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Fettuccine pasta: Use linguine, spaghetti, or even penne.
Large shrimp: Try scallops or chunks of firm white fish.
Heavy cream: Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Parmesan cheese: This hard Italian cheese brings a nutty, salty depth that’s essential to Alfredo sauce’s signature flavor.
Broccoli: Adds freshness, color, and a subtle crunch that balances the richness.

Instructions for Making Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo

Cooking this dish is a delightful, fragrant process — here’s the simple path to creamy pasta perfection.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for pasta and broccoli.
2. Combine Ingredients: Cook pasta according to package directions. In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Assemble the Dish: Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
5. Cook to Perfection: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan and whisk until smooth.
6. Finishing Touches: Return shrimp, pasta, and broccoli to skillet. Toss, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Plate immediately, topping with extra Parmesan if desired.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The sauce should cling luxuriously to each strand of pasta, while the shrimp remain tender and the broccoli slightly crisp. The richness of the cream and cheese is balanced by the freshness of the vegetables and the briny sweetness of the seafood.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Use fresh Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
• Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent separation.

What to Avoid

• Skipping the pasta water — it helps bind and smooth the sauce.
• Overcooking broccoli, which dulls its color and flavor.
• Using pre-grated cheese, which may contain anti-caking agents.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 620

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can cook the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream if needed. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 days. Freezing is possible, though cream sauces may slightly change texture.

How to Serve Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo

Serve hot in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan on top. Pair with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn leftovers into a pasta bake by topping with mozzarella and baking until golden. Or chop the shrimp and broccoli and mix with cooked rice for a creamy seafood risotto.

Additional Tips

Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens the flavors. For a touch of spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce.

Make It a Showstopper

Twirl the pasta neatly in the center of the plate, arrange shrimp on top, and garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a few broccoli florets for a restaurant-quality look.

Variations to Try

Shrimp & Spinach Alfredo: Swap broccoli for fresh spinach leaves.
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo: Add Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before cooking.
Mushroom & Shrimp Alfredo: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra earthiness.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

2. Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely, use gluten-free pasta.

3. How can I make it lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese slightly.

4. What pasta works best?

Fettuccine holds the sauce beautifully, but other shapes work too.

5. Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?

Yes, diced chicken breast is a great alternative.

6. How do I prevent sauce from separating?

Keep heat moderate and avoid rapid boiling.

7. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, zucchini or asparagus work well.

8. How long will leftovers last?

Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

9. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, but expect minor texture changes in the sauce.

10. What wine pairs well?

A crisp white like Pinot Grigio complements it perfectly.

Conclusion

Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo is the perfect blend of indulgence and freshness. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite — and once you make it, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite.

Watch How to Make Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo