Description: This Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy, decadent pasta dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Tender shrimp and vibrant broccoli florets are tossed in a rich and flavorful homemade Alfredo sauce, all coating perfectly cooked fettuccine. It’s a satisfying and elegant meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Restaurant-Quality Taste: The homemade Alfredo sauce is far superior to store-bought versions, offering a rich and authentic flavor experience.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by using different types of pasta, adding other vegetables, or adjusting the spice level.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good Alfredo, and the addition of shrimp and broccoli elevates this classic dish to a new level of deliciousness.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from the shrimp and fiber and vitamins from the broccoli, this Alfredo is a relatively balanced and satisfying meal.
Introduction
Alfredo sauce is a classic Italian-American staple, known for its creamy richness and simple yet elegant flavor. While many rely on pre-made sauces, creating your own Alfredo from scratch is surprisingly easy and yields a far superior result. This recipe combines the classic Alfredo with succulent shrimp and nutritious broccoli, creating a complete and balanced meal that’s both satisfying and impressive.
The beauty of this Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo lies in its simplicity. It requires only a handful of readily available ingredients and comes together in a matter of minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled & 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
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine (or your chosen pasta) and cook according to the package directions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This will lightly cook the broccoli and retain its vibrant color and crunch.
Step 2: Drain and Reserve: Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, carefully drain the water using a colander. It’s helpful to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, as it can be used to adjust the consistency of the Alfredo sauce if needed. Set the pasta and broccoli aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp to achieve a nice sear. Season the shrimp generously with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet (without cleaning), melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste to the sauce.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Base: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic-infused butter. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Incorporate the Parmesan Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time, until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and emulsified. Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is velvety in texture. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Step 7: Combine and Toss: Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta, broccoli, and shrimp are evenly coated in the luxurious sauce. Ensure all elements are well incorporated and heated through.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious symphony of flavors.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Taste: Excellent
- Visual Appeal: High
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious Alfredo sauce.
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
- For a more complete meal, serve with a side of grilled asparagus or roasted vegetables.
- A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors of the dish beautifully.
Tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the Alfredo sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
- Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Spice It Up: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Alfredo sauce.
- Cheese Matters: Using a good quality Parmesan cheese is key to the sauce. Don’t use the powdered stuff. Freshly grated is best!
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, will vary based on specific ingredients and portion size)
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion
This Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and vibrant broccoli, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels, while the customizable nature allows you to tailor it to your own preferences. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and prepare to indulge in a restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help them sear properly in the skillet. Also, if using frozen shrimp, look for the label that indicates they have been “deveined,” that is a time saving and convenient step.
Q2: I don’t have heavy cream. Can I use half-and-half or milk instead?
A: While you can use half-and-half or milk as a substitute, the Alfredo sauce will not be as rich and creamy as it would be with heavy cream. If using half-and-half or milk, you may need to add a little bit of butter or cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to thicken the sauce. The richness of the heavy cream is essential to the final flavor and texture of the dish.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While you can make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, it’s best to cook the pasta, broccoli, and shrimp just before serving. Reheating the entire dish can cause the pasta to become mushy and the shrimp to become rubbery. If you do need to reheat it, do so gently over low heat, adding a little milk or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Q4: I’m allergic to shrimp. Can I substitute with another protein?
A: Absolutely! You can easily substitute the shrimp with chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through. Grilled chicken breast cut into strips would be an excellent choice.
Q5: How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating or becoming grainy?
A: To prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating or becoming grainy, make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese (not the pre-shredded kind, which often contains cellulose that can prevent it from melting smoothly). Also, keep the heat low while adding the cheese and stir continuously until it is fully melted and emulsified. Avoid boiling the sauce, as this can cause it to separate. Adding a little bit of cream cheese can also stabilize the sauce.
