There’s just something magical about a plate of Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo: plump, juicy shrimp nestled alongside tender-crisp broccoli and ribbons of creamy fettuccine, all swirled in a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce. It’s the best kind of comfort food, blending bright green veggies, sweet shrimp, and a little indulgence in every bite. Whether you’re looking for an impressive date night meal or a cozy weeknight dinner, Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is the dish you didn’t know was missing from your life—until now!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beauties of Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is that it requires just a handful of staple ingredients, but each one plays a starring role. The shrimp brings the ocean’s sweetness, the broccoli adds vibrant color and crunch, and the Alfredo sauce ties it all together with creamy richness.
- Fettuccine Pasta: Flat, wide noodles are the traditional base for Alfredo—perfect for holding onto that luscious sauce.
- Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined): For best flavor and texture, use fresh or well-thawed frozen shrimp so they stay plump, tender, and sweet.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: These brighten up the dish and add a crunch that beautifully contrasts with the creaminess.
- Olive Oil: Arriving at just the right time, olive oil helps cook the shrimp while infusing richness and flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic wakes up the sauce and shrimp, making everything taste just a little more vibrant.
- Butter: Butter lends that unmistakable Alfredo richness for a silky, decadent texture.
- Heavy Cream: The cream is what turns this into Alfredo—it creates the luxurious, clingy sauce you crave.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For authenticity and better melting, choose freshly grated Parmesan if you can.
- Salt & Black Pepper: These two seasonings let all the other flavors shine, so don’t skip them.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick, a pinch goes a long way.
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle at the end brings a burst of color and freshness to your Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo.
How to Make Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your fettuccine pasta. This is your foundation, so aim for al dente—the noodles should have just a little bite. With only two minutes left on the pasta timer, toss in the fresh broccoli florets to let them cook right alongside the noodles. You’ll end up with perfectly tender pasta and vibrantly green broccoli, all ready to go in a single step. Drain them together and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and pink, curling gently at the edges. This quick cook keeps them tender. Remove the shrimp from the skillet so they stay juicy and don’t overcook while you make the Alfredo sauce.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Keep that skillet handy (flavor from the shrimp will infuse the sauce!) and add the butter. Once melted and bubbling, stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute until fragrant. Lower the heat slightly, pour in the heavy cream, and bring to a soft simmer. With the cream warm, sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re adding a little heat. Stir for 2–3 minutes, letting the cheese melt into a velvety Alfredo sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Combine Everything and Toss
Now, bring back the cooked shrimp, fettuccine pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Use tongs to gently toss everything together, letting the sauce coat every noodle, floret, and shrimp. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Let it all warm through for another 1–2 minutes, then prepare yourself for that irresistible aroma—Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo perfection!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your creamy creation to plates or a large serving dish. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. The verdant green pops against the cream sauce, bringing a little brightness to every forkful. Grab your fork, gather some friends or family, and dig in.
How to Serve Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo
Garnishes
Finish your Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo with fresh chopped parsley and maybe even an extra shower of Parmesan cheese. If you love a hint of brightness, try a light squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. Cracked black pepper or a few more red pepper flakes lend a customizable flair for everyone at the table.
Side Dishes
A classic Italian green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad balances the richness of the Alfredo. Warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up any last bit of sauce. If you want to keep it light, pair with roasted vegetables or a glass of crisp white wine to elevate your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo in individual pasta bowls for a restaurant-style treat, or pile it high on a big platter for a more rustic, family-style feel. For extra flair, top with a spiral of lemon zest or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. Feeling playful? Twirl the fettuccine into little nests and nestle a shrimp or two right on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo to an airtight container and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to three days. Because the sauce is cream-based, the texture may thicken as it cools, but a gentle reheat will bring it back to life. Store garnishes like fresh parsley separately to keep them vibrant.
Freezing
While technically possible to freeze, Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is best enjoyed fresh. Cream sauces can separate or become grainy when thawed. However, if you need to freeze it, portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to one month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the luscious texture. Stir gently to ensure the shrimp stay tender. If you must use a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir often.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic, you can swap in linguine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just follow the same method and keep the pasta slightly al dente for the best texture.
How do I keep the shrimp from turning rubbery?
Shrimp overcook quickly, so sauté them just until they turn a coral pink and are opaque throughout—about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove from heat as soon as they’re done, and don’t simmer them in the sauce for long.
Can I make Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo dairy-free?
You can try using coconut cream or a rich non-dairy milk and vegan Parmesan alternatives. The flavor and texture will change, but with plenty of garlic and fresh herbs, it’s still delicious!
What shrimp size works best for this recipe?
Large shrimp are ideal for Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo because they stay juicy and satisfying in each bite. If you only have medium or small shrimp, just reduce the cooking time slightly so they don’t dry out.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Try adding sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even baby spinach while sautéing the shrimp or tossing everything together at the end. It’s a great way to boost nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like homemade Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo—creamy, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing every time. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether for a family dinner or a treat-yourself night. If you haven’t tried this classic fusion of shrimp, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce, let tonight be the night delicious memories are made!
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Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful dish with this Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo recipe. Tender shrimp, vibrant broccoli, and fettuccine pasta are coated in a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce, creating a satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Fettuccine Pasta:
12 oz
Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined):
1 lb
Fresh Broccoli Florets:
2 cups
Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons
Garlic (minced):
3 cloves
Butter:
2 tablespoons
Heavy Cream:
1 ½ cups
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1 cup
Salt:
½ teaspoon
Black Pepper:
¼ teaspoon
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional):
¼ teaspoon
Chopped Parsley (for garnish):
¼ cup
Instructions
- Cook the Fettuccine Pasta: Boil the fettuccine pasta in salted water until al dente. Add broccoli in the last 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Sear shrimp in olive oil until pink, then set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Saute garlic in butter, add cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thick.
- Combine and Serve: Toss shrimp, pasta, and broccoli in the sauce. Heat through and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available; just thaw and drain well.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Enhance the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
