Shrimp and Broccoli Alfredo

Introduction

Shrimp and Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy, luxurious pasta dish that combines tender shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and fettuccine tossed in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food — rich, indulgent, and deeply satisfying, yet balanced with the freshness of broccoli and the light sweetness of shrimp.

This dish takes classic Fettuccine Alfredo up a notch with the addition of succulent shrimp and nutritious broccoli, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s restaurant-quality comfort food that you can whip up easily in your own kitchen, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why I Love This Recipe

• It’s comfort food done right: The creamy Alfredo sauce clings perfectly to the pasta and shrimp, creating a silky, luscious bite every time.
• Quick and impressive: You can have this ready in under 30 minutes, yet it looks and tastes like a gourmet dish.
• A perfect balance: You get the richness of Alfredo, the protein from shrimp, and the freshness from broccoli — a complete, satisfying meal in one.
• Family favorite: Even picky eaters love this dish, and it’s easy to adjust to everyone’s taste.
• Customizable: You can add more veggies, change pasta types, or even make it lighter with a few easy swaps.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

If you love creamy pasta dishes, this Shrimp and Broccoli Alfredo is an absolute must-try. It’s comforting yet elegant — ideal for a cozy night in or a romantic dinner. The flavors are perfectly balanced: the sweet, delicate shrimp pairs beautifully with the garlicky, buttery Alfredo sauce, while the broccoli adds freshness and color. Once you taste this, you’ll realize why it’s a restaurant favorite that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~550 kcal per serving (approx.)
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine (or linguine)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Shrimp Alfredo:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Boil pasta and broccoli together until tender; drain and set aside.
2. Sauté shrimp with butter, garlic, salt, and pepper until pink; remove from pan.
3. Prepare Alfredo sauce in the same pan with butter, cream, and Parmesan.
4. Toss pasta, shrimp, and broccoli in the sauce until coated.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add fettuccine and cook according to package directions.

During the last 3 minutes, add the broccoli florets.

Drain both pasta and broccoli and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque.

Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp butter and 1 cup heavy cream.

Stir and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes (do not boil).

Add Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and Italian seasoning.

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shrimp to the skillet.

Toss well until everything is coated with the Alfredo sauce.

If the sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Serve hot and creamy.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in large pasta bowls or shallow plates.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for color.
• Pair with garlic bread or a light Caesar salad.
• Enjoy with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t overcook shrimp — they turn rubbery fast.
• Grate your own Parmesan for a smooth, non-grainy sauce.
• Reserve pasta water — it helps thin the sauce without losing creaminess.
• Add a dash of nutmeg for an authentic Italian Alfredo touch.

Variations

• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter.
• Add Veggies: Mushrooms, asparagus, or spinach complement this dish beautifully.
• Spicy Alfredo: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
• Cheesy Alfredo: Mix in mozzarella or Romano cheese for extra richness.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Low-Carb: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Alfredo sauce can separate after freezing, but you can freeze for 1 month if needed. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream to restore texture.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a little cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Deep skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater
• Colander

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the end just to heat through to avoid overcooking.

Q2: Can I make this without cream cheese?
Absolutely. The sauce will still be creamy with just heavy cream and Parmesan.

Q3: Can I substitute milk for cream?
You can use whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be thinner.

Q4: What kind of pasta works best?
Fettuccine is classic, but linguine, penne, or spaghetti work great too.

Q5: How do I thicken my Alfredo sauce?
Simmer a few extra minutes or add a little more Parmesan or cream cheese.

Conclusion

The Shrimp and Broccoli Alfredo is a timeless, elegant, and utterly delicious dish that delivers pure comfort in every bite. With its creamy, garlicky sauce, juicy shrimp, and tender broccoli, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness.

It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough for special occasions — the kind of recipe that never fails to impress. Once you make this, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Creamy, flavorful, and satisfying — this is pasta perfection at its best.