Description
This Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is a rich and creamy Italian-American main course featuring tender shrimp, fresh broccoli florets, and fettuccine pasta tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this dish combines the sweetness of shrimp with the earthy crunch of broccoli, all enveloped in a velvety Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain both together and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce is slightly thickened.
- Combine pasta, broccoli, and shrimp: Add the drained fettuccine and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently stir to combine all ingredients. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time; just add them at the end to warm through.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter sauce variation.
- Frozen broccoli can be used as a convenient alternative; thaw and drain it before adding to the pasta.
