Description of this recipe
This recipe brings together the luxurious creaminess of Alfredo sauce, the succulent tenderness of shrimp, and the wholesome goodness of broccoli, all draped over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures, creating a dish that is both comforting and elegant. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli is sure to impress. The rich Alfredo sauce clings beautifully to each strand of pasta, while the shrimp adds a delightful seafood sweetness, and the broccoli provides a pleasant bite and nutritional boost. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, offering a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
Why you will love this recipe
You will adore this recipe for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, it is incredibly delicious! The creamy Alfredo sauce is rich and indulgent, perfectly complementing the sweet, delicate flavor of the shrimp. The addition of broccoli not only adds a pop of color and texture but also introduces a healthy element to an otherwise decadent dish. Moreover, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. It requires minimal prep time and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The simplicity of the instructions ensures that even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. The versatility of this recipe is another reason to love it. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences by using different types of pasta, adding other vegetables, or adjusting the seasoning to your liking. Finally, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or guests, everyone will rave about its creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible flavor. It’s comfort food elevated to a gourmet experience.
Ingredients:
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta & Shrimp:
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or your choice of pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a hint of spice
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta & Broccoli:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This will allow the broccoli to cook until tender-crisp, retaining its vibrant green color and nutritional value. Once the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender, drain the pasta and broccoli together using a colander. Set aside, making sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, as this can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasonings. The olive oil will help the spices adhere to the shrimp and create a flavorful crust when cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature and result in steamed rather than seared shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. The shrimp should be slightly browned and have a nice sear on the outside. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet that you cooked the shrimp in, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will give the sauce a bitter taste. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Allow the cream to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. This will help the sauce cling to the pasta.
Step 5: Combine & Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the Alfredo sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to combine, ensuring that all the ingredients are well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Flavor Complexity: Medium
- Overall Score: 9/10
Serving Suggestions:
This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of accompaniments to enhance the dining experience. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Crusty bread, such as garlic bread or focaccia, is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with a grilled chicken breast or a piece of baked salmon. A glass of crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce and seafood flavors.
Tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chopped parsley will make a significant difference in the overall taste of the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Cook the shrimp 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 to your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables to this dish. Asparagus, peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions.
- Add a Hint of Spice: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or sprinkle them over the finished dish.
Prep Time:
- 10 minutes
Cook Time:
- 20 minutes
Total Time:
- 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 650-750 per serving
- Protein: 40-50 grams per serving
- Sodium: 500-700 milligrams per serving
Conclusion
The Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli is a dish that combines ease of preparation with exquisite taste. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights, elegant dinner parties, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. The creamy Alfredo sauce, tender shrimp, and wholesome broccoli create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you and your guests craving more. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or customize it to your liking, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the indulgence and the satisfaction of creating a truly memorable meal!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them until they are thawed. Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time. You can cook the pasta and broccoli and store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently before adding the pasta, broccoli, and shrimp. However, it’s best to cook the shrimp just before serving to prevent them from becoming tough.
Q3: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream for the Alfredo sauce?
A3: While you can use milk instead of heavy cream, the sauce will not be as rich and creamy. If you use milk, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to help thicken the sauce. For a healthier option, you can also use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A4: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can add other vegetables to suit your preferences. Some great additions include asparagus, peas, mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. Just add them to the skillet along with the broccoli or sauté them separately before adding them to the sauce.
Q5: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A5: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. There are many high-quality gluten-free pasta options available in most supermarkets. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the Italian seasoning, are also gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
