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There’s so much to love about this Broccoli Shrimp Pasta Alfredo; it’s creamy, filling and full of lots of flavor. The pan seared garlicky shrimp adds protein, the bright green steamed broccoli adds fiber and the creamy sauce just brings the whole dish together wonderfully.
Ingredients & substitutions
- Pasta: Use rotini or fusilli pasta for this dish as pictured here or any other pasta of choice works too.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is a great source of fiber and protein as well as lots of vitamins, minerals and folic acid.
- Butter: You can use either salted or unsalted butter, just adjust the level of added salt to your taste.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper and garlic – very simple which is standard for alfredo sauces.
- Flour: To thicken the sauce. You can use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free 1:1 flour.
- Milk: For a creamy sauce without too many calories and fat from heavy cream.
- Cheese: Use a mix of cream cheese and parmesan for a cheesy alfredo sauce.
How to make broccoli shrimp alfredo
- Cook the pasta and drain. Make sure to save some pasta water.
- Steam the broccoli and toss with the pasta. Cover and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp in butter. Once cooked, add to the pasta and broccoli.
- In the same pan, melt the butter with the garlic and stir in the flour. Whisk in the milk and cream cheese.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta, broccoli and shrimp.
- Stir to combine and top with grated parmesan and black pepper.
Tips to make this recipe
- Cook the pasta al dente. It will continue to cook once you’ve drained it, and again when the sauce is added. Be sure to check out my How to Cook Pasta post for tips.
- Keep some of the pasta cooking water when you drain it. This will help to thin the alfredo sauce if needed, and the starch will help it coat the pasta well.
- Add other cooked vegetables. Broccoli goes so well with alfredo dishes and it shines through here as the featured vegetable but you can easily add other ingredients like mushrooms, zucchini and/or bell peppers.
- Add the cheese at the end when making the sauce. The cheese doesn’t need to be cooked, just slightly melted. Overcooking can create a grainy sauce, so make sure to add and only heat for a minute.
Frequently asked questions
Yes frozen shrimp is actually more fresh than fresh shrimp in many cases. Defrost the shrimp fully and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
This broccoli shrimp pasta alfredo is best served as soon as it’s made, but if you have leftovers they will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop to warm through to serve.
This shrimp alfredo is a great filling dinner by itself, but it’s great served with a Caprese or Greek salad. For a really filling meal, pair it with some garlic bread.
This broccoli shrimp pasta alfredo is such a great family week night meal. Perfectly creamy and ready to serve in 30 minutes, what’s not to love?!
For more pasta recipes:
- Chicken Broccoli Pasta Alfredo
- Cauliflower Alfredo
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- Lemon Ricotta Pasta
- Cheese Stuffed Shells
If you’ve tried this feel good Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo recipe or any other recipe on FeelGoodFoodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!
Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo
Video
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fusilli pasta or pasta of choice
- 1 head broccoli cut into small florets
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp peeled/deveined/tails off
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese plus more for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water before draining; set aside.
- Steam the broccoli for 2 minutes until fork tender, and toss with the cooked pasta.
- In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon butter, season the shrimp with salt and pepper and add to the heated pan. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turns opaque and is fully cooked; toss with the cooked pasta and broccoli.
- In the same pan, heat the remaining butter, add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add flour, then whisk to combine and cook for 1 additional minute. Slowly whisk in the milk, then cream cheese, then let the sauce simmer uncovered until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture and stir well. Add as much reserved pasta water for the desired sauce thickness.
- Serve with freshly ground pepper and parmesan cheese, if desired.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Yummy can’t wat it to make
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Absolutely delicious and so easy and quick to make! This is one of the best pasta recipes I’ve tried and aside from adding some red pepper flakes, I followed the recipe. I used angel hair pasta but any would work fine.
Thank you so much! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it that much!
This was our Friday night, Lent observant, dinner last night and it was amazing. We used a small egg noodle, and it was perfect. We loved the Alfredo sauce and the cream cheese made it very creamy. My husband suggested that the next time he may try using another favorite green veggie of ours, asparagus. This recipe is definitely a keeper and would be delightful to serve for company. Thanks for the detailed instructions.
Yay!! So many delicious ways to enjoy it and switch it up. You’re so welcome!