Shrimp Alfredo With Broccoli

Name: Shrimp Alfredo With Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Food Inspiration

I absolutely love making Shrimp Alfredo With Broccoli, as it perfectly balances creamy, rich flavors with fresh vegetables. The combination of shrimp and alfredo sauce is a winner, and adding broccoli not only enhances the taste but also makes the dish healthier. It’s a comforting meal that comes together quickly, making it my go-to choice for a weeknight dinner that feels special. Each bite is satisfying, and the tantalizing aroma fills my kitchen, making my family eager for dinner time.

Created by

Victoria Hall

Last updated on 2026-02-23T18:48:48.643Z

Making Shrimp Alfredo With Broccoli has been a delightful discovery for our family. I remember the first time I decided to add broccoli to my classic shrimp alfredo recipe. The fresh crunch of the broccoli complements the creamy sauce beautifully. My family loved it, and I felt great about including a vegetable in an otherwise indulgent dish.

I found that cooking the shrimp just until they're pink and pairing them with an alfredo sauce that's been enriched with fresh garlic truly elevates the flavors. Using a blend of Parmesan and cream gives the sauce a luxurious texture that coats each bite perfectly, ensuring nobody misses out!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy alfredo sauce combined with succulent shrimp
Nutritious broccoli adds flavor and texture
Quick and easy preparation for a lavish dinner

The Importance of Timing

When preparing Shrimp Alfredo With Broccoli, timing is crucial for ensuring that each component of the dish retains its perfect texture. Start by boiling your pasta; it should cook for about 10 minutes or until al dente. This timing allows the fettuccine to remain firm enough to hold the sauce without becoming mushy in the final dish. While the pasta cooks, you can multitask by sautéing the broccoli and shrimp, ensuring everything comes together seamlessly.

After cooking the shrimp, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes, be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and lose their appealing texture. They should turn a vibrant pink and opaque when done. As you transition to the next step of making the alfredo sauce, make sure to keep an eye on the heat—low and slow should be the motto here, especially when stirring in the Parmesan cheese to achieve that creamy consistency.

Ingredient Roles in Flavor Development

Each ingredient in Shrimp Alfredo With Broccoli plays a significant role in contributing to the overall flavor profile. The heavy cream is the backbone of the alfredo sauce, providing that rich, luxurious base that coats the pasta and other ingredients. When you add Parmesan cheese, make sure to use freshly grated for the best melting properties and pronounced flavor. The saltiness of the cheese perfectly complements the sweet, delicate taste of the shrimp.

Broccoli not only enhances the dish with its nutritional value but also adds a delightful crunch and a beautiful green contrast to the creamy sauce. Sautéing the broccoli until it is bright green yet slightly tender helps retain its flavor and nutrients. I recommend aiming for a vivid color as a visual cue that signifies it’s ready to be incorporated into the dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're looking to prep Shrimp Alfredo With Broccoli ahead of time, consider cooking the fettuccine and broccoli in advance, then storing them separately. Store the cooked pasta and broccoli in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop before adding the shrimp and sauce. This method not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together nicely during reheating.

For leftovers, store the complete dish in an airtight container for up to three days. However, keep in mind that the sauce may thicken as it cools, so adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water while reheating can help restore its creamy texture. Avoid freezing the dish if you can; cream-based sauces often separate upon thawing, which can compromise the texture and flavor you work hard to achieve.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful dish:

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Once you have all the ingredients, you’re ready to cook!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Shrimp Alfredo With Broccoli:

Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Sauté the Broccoli

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.

Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, reduce heat to low, and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Combine and Serve

Return the drained fettuccine and sautéed broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Alfredo With Broccoli!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shrimp Alfredo With Broccoli with a side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete your meal. The garlic bread complements the creamy sauce beautifully, and the crispness of a salad adds a refreshing element that balances the richness of the dish. I often like to sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan on top before serving, alongside freshly cracked black pepper for some added flavor.

For a more robust dinner, consider pairing this dish with a glass of white wine, like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines tend to pick up on the creaminess of the alfredo sauce and highlight the sweetness of the shrimp, enhancing your dining experience.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferences. You can easily swap out shrimp for chicken or scallops if you're looking for a different protein. Additionally, you might add other vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers for an even more colorful and nutritious dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times for any added proteins or vegetables so that everything is cooked to perfection.

To lighten the dish, consider using half-and-half or a lower-fat milk combined with a bit of flour to help thicken your sauce. For those who prefer a dairy-free option, coconut cream can act as a great base for the alfredo sauce, adding a unique flavor profile that pairs surprisingly well with shrimp and broccoli.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce may be less creamy.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, peas, or even bell peppers are great additions.