Shrimp Alfredo With Broccoli

Name: Shrimp Alfredo With Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces fettuccine pasta; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Food Inspiration

I absolutely love making Shrimp Alfredo with Broccoli! It's a comforting dish that blends the rich, creamy flavors of Alfredo sauce with juicy shrimp and crisp broccoli. The combination is not just delicious; it's also a fantastic way to enjoy some greens with a touch of indulgence. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner while still feeling special enough for entertaining. I can’t wait to share my secrets for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in this crowd-pleaser!

Created by

Victoria Hall

Last updated on 2026-02-23T19:00:48.682Z

When I first tried my hand at making Shrimp Alfredo with Broccoli, I was surprised at how easy it was to create such a restaurant-quality dish at home. The key is not to overcook the shrimp; they should be just tender and pink. I also love adding fresh broccoli to enhance the texture and nutritional value of the dish.

One tip I learned is to reserve a bit of the pasta water when cooking the fettuccine. This starchy water helps to thicken the sauce and makes it cling beautifully to the pasta and shrimp. It’s a small trick, but it makes all the difference for a silky sauce!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy Alfredo sauce with a hint of garlic
Perfectly cooked shrimp and vibrant broccoli for a colorful plate
Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights

The Magic of Broccoli

Broccoli not only adds a vibrant pop of color to your Shrimp Alfredo but also packs a nutritional punch. This cruciferous vegetable is rich in vitamins C and K, making it a great addition to your meal for health benefits. When blanching the broccoli, aim for a bright green color and tender-crisp texture. If you overcook it, you'll lose both its nutrients and that appealing crunch. The last 3 minutes of your pasta cooking time is the perfect timing to ensure it remains vibrant and adds just the right texture to the dish.

If you're planning to serve this for a dinner party, consider using a combination of vegetables. Asparagus or green beans can be perfect alternatives, adding freshness and a delightful crunch. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly; for example, green beans will need an additional minute if cooked alongside the fettuccine.

Perfecting the Alfredo Sauce

The heart of this dish lies in the Alfredo sauce, which should be luxuriously creamy and packed with flavor. It's crucial to use heavy cream, as it creates that rich texture we adore in Alfredo. If you're watching your calories, you could opt for half-and-half, but be prepared for a slightly lighter sauce. When whisking in the Parmesan, do so gradually to prevent any clumping. For an extra flavor boost, you could add a pinch of nutmeg — it’s a classic pairing with creamy sauces that deepens the flavor profile beautifully.

To achieve the desired consistency of the sauce, the reserved pasta water is your best friend. Often, sauces can become too thick after resting. Start by adding a couple of tablespoons of the reserved water, mixing well, and then continue to adjust until you reach that silky and glossy texture that clings deliciously to both pasta and shrimp.

Serving and Storing Tips

For serving, I recommend a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra grating of Parmesan to elevate the dish's presentation. If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. This introduces a lovely acidity that balances the creaminess of the Alfredo, making each bite more refreshing. A simple side salad or garlic bread can complement this dish beautifully for a complete meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, consider adding a splash of milk or additional cream to restore the sauce's consistency. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, with these tips, you'll keep the flavors rich and delightful even the next day.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to start your flavorful journey!

Ingredients

8 ounces fettuccine pasta
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious Shrimp Alfredo with Broccoli.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper.

Combine

Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Your delicious Shrimp Alfredo with Broccoli is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. It brightens the dish and complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re out of shrimp, this recipe offers fantastic versatility. Cooked chicken or even sautéed mushrooms can work as excellent substitutes. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based shrimp which are readily available at many grocery stores. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on your substitute, as some may require less time to cook than shrimp.

Cheese lovers can experiment with different types of cheese in the Alfredo. While Parmesan is traditional, Pecorino Romano can add a sharper flavor. For a different spin, try a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina, which melt beautifully and lend a unique twist to the dish.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. For every additional two guests, simply add an extra serving of fettuccine and ½ pound of shrimp. Adjust the sauce components accordingly, keeping the cream and cheese ratios consistent. Just make sure to have a large enough pot and skillet to accommodate your growing ingredients. A wider skillet will allow for even cooking and mixing — your sauce should coat every strand of pasta adequately.

If you’re preparing this dish for a large crowd, consider preparing the sauce ahead of time. It can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Just be sure to reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of cream or pasta water before adding the cooked pasta and shrimp.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results.

→ What type of pasta can I use instead of fettuccine?

Penne or linguine are great alternatives that will also hold the sauce well.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit the shrimp and consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.