Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo
“Tender shrimp and fresh broccoli tossed in a creamy garlic Parmesan Alfredo sauce over pasta—easy, delicious, and packed with flavor!”
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
10 large shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Alfredo Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Pasta:
12 oz (340g) penne or fettuccine
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions.
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli to the boiling pasta. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add shrimp, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side until pink.
Drizzle with lemon juice, toss, and remove from heat.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thick.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli in the Alfredo sauce until fully coated.
Plate the pasta and top with shrimp.
Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
Pro Tip: Serve with garlic bread and a crisp side salad for a complete meal!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep: Gather all ingredients. Pat shrimp dry and season. Grate Parmesan cheese if not pre-grated. Chop broccoli into bite-sized florets.
2. Boil Water: Heavily salt a large pot of water and bring to a rolling boil.
3. Cook Pasta & Broccoli: Add pasta to boiling water. Two minutes before pasta is al dente, add broccoli florets directly to the pot. Drain together and set aside.
4. Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté garlic briefly, then add shrimp in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes per side until opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate.
5. Build Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and cook garlic. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and whisk in Parmesan until melted. Season.
6. Combine: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing to coat. Fold in the cooked shrimp or plate pasta and top with shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich pasta immediately while hot. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess perfectly. Warm, crusty garlic bread is essential for soaking up extra sauce. For a lighter pairing, opt for steamed asparagus or roasted cherry tomatoes. A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the garlic and Parmesan flavors beautifully.
How-to Summary
This one-pan meal comes together by boiling pasta and broccoli together, then using the same skillet to first sauté shrimp and then create a simple, creamy Alfredo sauce from garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan. The cooked pasta and broccoli are tossed in the sauce, then topped with the flavorful shrimp for a quick, restaurant-quality dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat very dry before cooking to ensure proper searing.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or evaporated milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. You can also use a lighter pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta.
My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it? Let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce. You can also create a slurry with 1 tsp of cornstarch and 1 tbsp of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely. Sliced mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas are excellent additions. Sauté harder vegetables before making the sauce.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency, as it will thicken when chilled.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery. Cook just until pink and opaque.
- Adding cheese to a boiling sauce, which can cause it to separate or become grainy. Always reduce heat to low before whisking in Parmesan.
- Underseasoning the pasta water. It should taste like the sea to properly flavor the pasta and broccoli.
- Crowding the shrimp in the pan. Cook in a single layer to ensure a good sear and prevent steaming.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan from a canister, which often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated is best.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo is the ultimate weeknight gourmet meal, proving that impressive flavor can be achieved with simple steps and common ingredients. The combination of succulent shrimp, fresh broccoli, and a luxuriously creamy, garlicky sauce is consistently satisfying. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this crowd-pleasing dish. It’s a versatile recipe that invites customization, ensuring it will become a cherished staple in your dinner rotation.