If you are craving a comforting yet refreshing pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce coats tender pasta and juicy shrimp, while vibrant broccoli adds that perfect pop of green and crunch. It’s a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that’s quick to whip up, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and impressing guests. Every bite is a delightful mix of rich sauce, succulent seafood, and fresh veggies that always leaves me wanting more.

Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in creating that luscious, indulgent flavor and perfect texture. From the fresh shrimp to the sharp Parmesan cheese, these elements come together effortlessly.

Shrimp (1 lb): Use peeled and deveined shrimp for quick cooking and tender bites.
Broccoli florets (2 cups): Fresh or frozen works to add crunch, color, and nutrition.
Fettuccine (12 oz): Traditional choice that holds the creamy sauce perfectly, but any pasta you like will do.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps sauté the shrimp beautifully.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and warmth.
Heavy cream (1 ½ cups): Creates the velvety base for the Alfredo sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): The star ingredient that delivers that irresistible cheesy punch.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of subtle spice.
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little heat to balance the creaminess.
Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon, optional): Brings a fragrant herbal note for extra flavor complexity.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens and freshens the dish visually and in taste.

How to Make Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this is key to properly seasoning your pasta. Add the fettuccine or chosen pasta and cook it until just al dente. Then toss in the broccoli florets during the last 3 to 4 minutes of cooking so they become tender but retain a satisfying bite. Once cooked, drain everything but be sure to save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s magic for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later on.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

While the pasta and broccoli are doing their thing, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn a delicate pink and are just cooked through—overcooked shrimp get rubbery, so keep an eye on them! Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until fragrant—this step fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma you’ll love. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t scorch. After 2 to 3 minutes, whisk in the Parmesan cheese gradually, making sure it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and if you like, red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until thickened to your liking.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Broccoli, Shrimp, and Sauce

Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and toss everything carefully to coat each piece in decadent creaminess. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water at a time until it reaches that perfect silky texture. Finally, fold in the cooked shrimp and warm everything through for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing all the flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy the Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Plate up generous portions, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that fresh burst of color and taste, and dive right in! This dish is comfort food elevated to a whole new level with seafood and veggies in every bite.

How to Serve Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is the classic choice to add a bit of brightness and vibrancy to the plate. You can also consider grated extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon for a zesty balance to the richness of the sauce.

Side Dishes

This Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe pairs wonderfully with a light green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread are perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce, too!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Alfredo over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option. Alternatively, plate it in individual bowls with a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to add another layer of texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, but don’t worry—you can easily loosen it back up when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing seafood pasta dishes isn’t usually recommended because shrimp can become rubbery. However, you can freeze the Alfredo sauce and cooked broccoli separately in airtight containers for up to a month and toss with freshly cooked pasta and shrimp later.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid the microwave if you want the best texture and flavor, but it works in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture, which can dilute the flavors.

What pasta is best for this dish?

Fettuccine is the classic choice for Alfredo because its wide, flat shape holds sauce beautifully, but feel free to use linguine, penne, or any pasta you enjoy.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, and replace butter with olive oil. The flavor profile will change but it will still be delicious!

Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?

Yes! Adding red pepper flakes as suggested or a dash of hot sauce can give your Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe a nice kick without overpowering the creamy goodness.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions that complement the shrimp and broccoli nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser with its combination of creamy, cheesy sauce, fresh broccoli, and succulent shrimp. It’s quick to prepare and offers that satisfying homemade taste we all crave. If you haven’t tried it yet, I promise it will become one of your favorites to make again and again!

Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

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4 from 42 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A creamy and comforting Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo recipe that combines tender shrimp, fresh broccoli florets, and fettuccine pasta tossed in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. This easy 25-minute meal is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood and Vegetables

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups broccoli florets

Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta

Sauce and Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions. In the last 3-4 minutes, add the broccoli florets. Once the pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender, drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce.
Cook the Shrimp: While pasta and broccoli cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Combine Pasta, Broccoli, Shrimp, and Sauce: Add drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen. Fold in cooked shrimp and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo!