Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli Recipe
I just made this creamy shrimp Alfredo, and it was an absolute hit! The homemade sauce is so rich and velvety, perfectly coating the pasta, juicy shrimp, and crisp broccoli.
It’s a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a new weeknight favorite in my home. If you enjoy this, you might also want to explore our guide to the Baked Lemon Herb Cod with Rice Pilaf Recipe for another amazing comfort food creation.
What You’ll Need: The Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a rich and flavorful dish. Using fresh, high-quality components is key to achieving the best taste and texture.
- 8 ounces fusilli pasta: The spiral shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, but penne or fettuccine also work well.
- 1 head broccoli: Cut into small florets for a quick cook time and a healthy crunch.
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and tails off. Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp are both great options.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Divided for cooking the shrimp and starting the sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic, pungent flavor that is essential for a good Alfredo.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: An optional but recommended addition for extra herbaceous notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a touch of mild spice.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: This helps to thicken the Alfredo sauce.
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk will create a richer sauce, but you can use what you have on hand.
- 4 ounces cream cheese: The secret to an extra creamy and smooth sauce without using heavy cream.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides a nuttier, more complex flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
Note: The ingredients listed above will yield approximately 4 servings.
Cooking Time
This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for a busy evening.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
Having the right tools ready makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta and broccoli together.
- Large Pan or Skillet: To cook the shrimp and prepare the Alfredo sauce.
- Colander: For draining the cooked pasta and broccoli.
- Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth, lump-free Alfredo sauce.
How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli
This recipe is broken down into three simple stages: cooking the pasta and veggies, searing the shrimp, and making the luscious sauce. Following these steps will give you a perfect result every time.
Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your fusilli pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente. During the final two minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
This method, known as blanching, cooks the broccoli perfectly while saving you an extra pot to wash. Before draining, make sure to reserve about a half-cup of the starchy pasta water.
Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the shrimp. In a large skillet, melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add the shrimp to the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Create the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet used for the shrimp, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute to remove any raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, then add the cream cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a creamy consistency.
Combine and Serve
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shrimp back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir everything gently to coat it all evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
After making this a few times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to elevate it even more.
- Don’t Rinse the Pasta: After draining your pasta and broccoli, don’t rinse it. The starch left on the pasta helps the Alfredo sauce cling to it, creating a much better final dish.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: I can’t stress this enough. Grating your own block of Parmesan cheese makes a world of difference. It melts into the sauce beautifully without the clumpiness you can get from pre-shredded cheeses, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Save Extra Pasta Water: Always reserve a little more pasta water than you think you’ll need. As the dish sits, the sauce can thicken. A small splash of the starchy water is the perfect way to loosen it up when reheating.
- Spice it Up: For a little kick, I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the garlic. It adds a gentle warmth that complements the creamy flavors wonderfully.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have in your kitchen.
- More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Protein Swap: Not a fan of shrimp? This recipe works great with grilled chicken, seared scallops, or even Italian sausage.
- Lighter Version: For a less indulgent option, use low-fat milk and low-fat cream cheese. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
- Dairy-Free: To make this dairy-free, use your favorite plant-based milk, dairy-free cream cheese, butter, and parmesan alternatives. With so many great options available, you won’t have to sacrifice flavor. For more inspiration, you can explore our other dinner recipes.
Serving Ideas
Presentation can make a simple meal feel special. Here are a few ideas for serving your shrimp alfredo:
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- A sprinkle of smoked paprika over the top adds a beautiful color and a subtle smoky taste.
- Serve in wide, shallow pasta bowls to show off all the delicious components.
- For dessert, a light and refreshing option like our Best Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe would be a perfect finish.
Calories Count
Here are the approximate nutritional facts per serving:
- Calories: 586 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Sugar: 5g
How to Store the Dish
Storing and reheating this pasta is simple, though it’s always best when fresh.
- Storing: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess.
- Freezing: While you can freeze it for up to 2 months, be aware that dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing, affecting the texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this dish is a winner, but here are a few of the top ones:
- Quick and Easy: It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for a last-minute dinner.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy sauce, pasta, and shrimp is a classic that both kids and adults love.
- One-Pan Sauce: The shrimp and sauce are made in the same skillet, which means easier cleanup.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The homemade Alfredo sauce is rich, creamy, and far more delicious than any store-bought jar.
More About This Delicious Dish
When cooking your shrimp, be sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning. This helps them get a nice sear in the pan rather than just steaming. Also, remember that the cream cheese is your secret weapon for a foolproof, creamy sauce.
It stabilizes the sauce and prevents it from breaking, giving you a velvety texture every single time. This recipe is a fantastic base, so feel free to make it your own and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal any night of the week.
Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli recipe
Ingredients
Method
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your fusilli pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente. During the final two minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This method, known as blanching, cooks the broccoli perfectly while saving you an extra pot to wash. Before draining, make sure to reserve about a half-cup of the starchy pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the shrimp. In a large skillet, melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the shrimp to the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
- In the same skillet used for the shrimp, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute to remove any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, then add the cream cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a creamy consistency.
- Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shrimp back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir everything gently to coat it all evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan.