Sometimes, you just need a meal that’s rich, comforting, and utterly delicious, yet quick enough for any night of the week. This Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is exactly that! Imagine plump, tender shrimp and vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli nestled in a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, all coating perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in a single skillet (plus a pot for pasta) and delivers on every promise of indulgence and flavor. Get ready for a comforting classic with a fresh twist that your whole family will love!

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true go-to in my kitchen because it perfectly balances comfort with a touch of freshness. What I particularly love is how quickly this dish comes together without sacrificing any flavor. The secret lies in cooking the pasta and broccoli together, then quickly poaching the shrimp, and finally building that rich Alfredo sauce in one pan. It’s efficient cooking at its best.

The combination of the succulent shrimp, the vibrant broccoli, and the velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce is simply irresistible. It feels like a decadent meal, but the addition of broccoli adds a welcome nutritional boost and a pleasant texture contrast. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies those comfort food cravings while still being relatively quick to prepare, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend indulgence.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly creamy and flavorful shrimp pasta:

• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley or extra red pepper flakes, for garnish

Swaps and Notes

• Pasta: While fettuccine and linguine are classic for Alfredo, any pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or even rotini would work well here.
• Shrimp: Look for large, uncooked shrimp. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them dry before poaching.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is great, but frozen broccoli florets (thawed slightly if very large) can be used for convenience. Other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach (stirred in at the end) or asparagus spears could also be added.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt smoother and provide superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference for heat. Omit entirely if you don’t like spice.
• Cream: Heavy cream provides the richest sauce. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version, but the sauce might be less thick.
• Lemon Juice for Shrimp: The lemon juice in the poaching liquid subtly brightens the shrimp’s flavor.

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Directions

This delightful shrimp and pasta dish comes together in just a few efficient steps:

1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente (firm to the bite). During the last 2 minutesof the pasta’s cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to cook them until crisp-tender. Once cooked, drain both the pasta and broccoli thoroughly. Rinse them briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking (this is especially helpful for pasta if not immediately adding to sauce). Set aside.
2. Poach the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, in a separate small saucepan or the same large pot (after draining pasta), bring 4 cups of water to a gentle simmer with the 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the simmering water and poach for just 2–3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. Remove the poached shrimp from the water and set them aside.
3. Make Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet (the same one you plan to serve from is ideal), melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but not browned. Pour in the 1 cup heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese and the ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using) until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Season the sauce generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Combine & Finish: Add the cooked and drained pasta and broccoli to the Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta and broccoli are thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce. Gently fold in the poached shrimp. Heat through for about 1 minute over low heat, just until the shrimp are warmed through.
5. Serve Hot: Transfer the Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo Pasta to serving plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley (or extra red pepper flakes if you like more heat) and a little extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy every rich, satisfying bite!

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Pro Tips

• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat to ensure they remain tender and juicy.
• Al Dente Pasta: Cook your pasta to al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce.
• Fresh Parmesan: For the creamiest sauce and best flavor, use a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself.
• Gradual Cheese Addition: Add Parmesan slowly and stir constantly to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth sauce.
• Season as You Go: Taste the sauce before adding pasta and adjust salt and pepper.
• Warm Plates: If you want to keep the dish extra warm, heat your serving plates in a low oven for a few minutes before plating.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides.

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra delicious sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: If you want more veggies, a side of roasted asparagus or green beans would be a great complement.
• Other Italian-Inspired Meals: If you enjoy comforting Italian-American flavors, consider my This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast for another hearty option.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be managed.

• Storage: Store any leftover pasta, shrimp, and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce will thicken upon cooling, and the pasta will absorb more sauce.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess. Stir constantly. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a little liquid. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating.
• Best Fresh: For optimal texture and flavor of the shrimp and sauce, it’s recommended to consume this dish soon after preparation.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of quick, comforting, and flavorful meals, especially those with a seafood or pasta focus, you’ll want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another hearty and satisfying one-pan meal, check out my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
• If you’re in the mood for more Southern-inspired comfort, my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor is a fantastic choice.
• And for another hearty, cheesy, and satisfying baked dish, consider These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.

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Final Thoughts

This Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a true gem in the world of quick and comforting meals. It delivers on flavor, creaminess, and satisfaction without requiring hours in the kitchen. The perfect balance of tender shrimp, fresh broccoli, and that luscious Alfredo sauce makes it an irresistible dish for any occasion. Give it a try, and watch it become a new favorite in your home!

What’s your secret for perfectly creamy Alfredo sauce? Share your tips in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.