Description
This Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender shrimp and vibrant broccoli florets tossed in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Vegetables
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Alfredo Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook following the package instructions. During the last 2 minutes of boiling, add the broccoli florets. Drain both and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta, broccoli, and shrimp: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat evenly with the Alfredo sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm immediately and enjoy your delicious Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo!
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp; just thaw before cooking.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick or omit for milder flavor.
- To keep broccoli crisp, cook it separately if preferred and add at the end.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking shrimp.
