Why You’ll Love Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
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Rich and creamy homemade Alfredo sauce with real Parmesan cheese
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Juicy, tender shrimp cooked to perfection
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Fresh broccoli adds color, texture, and balance
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Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish
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Perfect for both busy weeknights and elegant dinners
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Easily customizable with your favorite pasta or add-ins
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups broccoli florets
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt, or to taste
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
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Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the Alfredo sauce.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 590 kcal per serving
Variations
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Swap shrimp for grilled chicken or seared scallops.
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Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
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Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
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Substitute half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce.
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Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the pan.
What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine is traditional, but linguine, spaghetti, or even penne work well with Alfredo sauce.
How do I know when shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta and shrimp.
How can I thicken the Alfredo sauce?
Allow it to simmer a bit longer, or add extra Parmesan cheese to reach your desired consistency.
Can I make it lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild warmth from red pepper flakes, which are optional. You can omit them for a completely mild flavor.
What can I serve with Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo?
A simple green salad and garlic bread pair beautifully with this rich pasta dish.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the very end just to heat through, as they are already cooked.
Why did my sauce turn grainy?
Grainy sauce can happen if the heat is too high when adding cheese. Keep the heat low and stir continuously for a smooth texture.
Conclusion
Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy, satisfying pasta dish that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly. With tender shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a velvety Parmesan sauce, it’s a dependable recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish is sure to impress.
