This Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy, satisfying pasta dish that balances indulgence with nutrition.
Packed with protein-rich shrimp and fiber-filled broccoli, it’s naturally high in essential vitamins and low in saturated fat.
Quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful meal offers a wholesome twist on classic Alfredo without sacrificing taste or texture.
30-Minute Creamy Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo
Equipment
- 1-Large pot
- 1 large skillet or sauté pan
- 1 whisk
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
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 removed
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta and Broccoli: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of your preferred pasta, such as fusilli, and cook according to package directions until al dente—firm yet tender. About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This allows the broccoli to cook perfectly alongside the pasta, keeping it bright green and slightly crisp. Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside; it will help adjust the sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta and broccoli carefully and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. While the pan warms, season the shrimp with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper for balanced flavor. Once the butter has melted and is slightly bubbling, add the shrimp in a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes on one side until the edges turn pink and the flesh becomes opaque. Flip each shrimp carefully and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and toss them gently with the cooked pasta and broccoli.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Reduce the heat slightly to medium-low to prevent burning. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté, stirring constantly, until the aroma fills your kitchen—about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter and overpower the sauce. This step forms the fragrant base of your Alfredo sauce.
- Make the Roux (Flour Base): Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour evenly over the melted butter and garlic in the pan. Whisk constantly to combine the flour with the butter, forming a smooth paste called a roux. Continue to cook for about 1 minute; this helps remove the raw flour taste and ensures the sauce will thicken evenly without lumps.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Slowly pour 1 cup of milk into the skillet while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. The mixture will start to thicken as it heats. Next, add 4 ounces of cream cheese in small chunks, continuing to whisk until fully melted and incorporated. Allow the sauce to simmer gently over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The result should be a smooth, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta and broccoli.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shrimp into the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs or a large spoon to fold everything together gently, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are coated evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Add the Parmesan Finish: Sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture and fold it in carefully. The cheese will melt into the warm sauce, adding depth and a nutty, savory flavor. Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo onto individual serving dishes. Optionally, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for a finishing touch. Serve immediately while warm and creamy for the best texture and flavor. Pair with a light green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For perfectly cooked shrimp, avoid overcooking—shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
- When adding broccoli to the pasta water, use the last 2 minutes of cooking to ensure the florets remain bright green and slightly crisp.
- Reserve pasta water—it’s a natural thickener that helps adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use a whisk while making the sauce to prevent lumps from forming when combining milk, cream cheese, and flour.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and provides a richer, more complex flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
Chef’s Secrets: Techniques For Creaminess
The secret to a luscious, creamy Alfredo sauce lies in proper layering and gentle heat.
Start by sautéing garlic in butter just until fragrant, never letting it brown.
Incorporating cream cheese in small chunks allows it to melt evenly into the milk, forming a smooth base.
Whisking constantly during this step prevents clumps and ensures a silky sauce.
Additionally, adding reserved pasta water gradually allows you to achieve your preferred sauce thickness without compromising flavor or richness.
Finally, folding in Parmesan at the end ensures the cheese retains its nutty flavor without overcooking.
Serving Suggestions: Pairings And Presentation
Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with simple accompaniments.
Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce.
Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices make perfect sides for scooping up extra sauce.
For a lighter twist, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving—it brightens the flavors and adds a professional touch to presentation.
Storage Tips: Keeping Pasta Fresh
This dish is best enjoyed immediately for optimal texture, as the pasta absorbs sauce over time.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and heat gently over medium-low to avoid separating the cream cheese.
For meal prep, divide into single-serve portions and reheat individually to maintain the dish’s creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp instead?
Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water before cooking. Pat them dry to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.
2. Can I substitute broccoli with other vegetables?
Absolutely! Cauliflower, asparagus, or green beans work well. Just adjust the cooking time so vegetables remain tender-crisp.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
You can replace milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan alternatives. The sauce will remain creamy, though slightly lighter in texture.
4. How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
For a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer to reduce liquid, or add a touch more cream cheese. For a thinner sauce, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
5. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the shrimp and vegetables in advance and store separately. Cook the pasta just before serving to ensure freshness. Combine everything with freshly made sauce for the best results.
