When you crave the ultimate comfort food—with a luxurious, velvety sauce, plump shrimp, and crisp-tender broccoli—all tossed with ribbons of fettuccine, Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo absolutely delivers. This is the kind of dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight, but elegant enough for company, bursting with garlic, parmesan, and a luscious creamy finish. It’s a swoon-worthy combination that brings excitement to your table and always gets rave reviews!

Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo is its simplicity: just a handful of classic ingredients come together for something extraordinary. Each ingredient not only adds its own charm, but also harmonizes to create that unforgettable alfredo taste and creamy texture.

Fettuccine: The wide, flat noodles are perfect for catching every drop of the luscious Alfredo sauce.
Large shrimp: Using big, juicy shrimp gives this dish an upscale feel and cooks in no time for a naturally sweet flavor.
Broccoli florets: Bright and green, broccoli adds color and a fresh crunch that balances out the rich sauce.
Olive oil or butter: Either adds wonderful flavor and helps keep the shrimp tender and the garlic fragrant in the pan.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for its aromatic punch and savory depth.
Heavy cream: This is what brings that silky, restaurant-worthy richness to the Alfredo sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Makes the sauce nutty, salty, and perfectly creamy—pre-grated just cannot compare.
Salt and pepper: Season everything just right to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat goes a long way for those who want a subtle spicy kick in their creamy sauce.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a final pop of color and a spark of freshness on top.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Fill a large pot with water, salt it generously, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your fettuccine and cook following the package directions until the pasta is just al dente. In the last two or three minutes before the pasta is done, simply add the broccoli florets right in with the pasta. Everything cooks together—easy, right? When done, drain it all but be sure to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water before setting the noodles and broccoli aside. That reserved water might just become your secret weapon for luscious sauce later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

While your pasta and broccoli are cooking, grab your largest skillet and add the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let them cook for 1–2 minutes each side until they just turn pink and opaque. (Overcooked shrimp are a tragedy—so be quick!) Scoop them out and set aside for now.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In that same skillet—with all those lovely bits left behind—lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for just 30 seconds, breathing in that glorious aroma, then pour in the heavy cream. Let it gently simmer, stirring occasionally for 2–3 minutes. Slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted, smooth, and decadent. Finish the sauce by seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little zing.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Time for the magic! Add the cooked fettuccine, broccoli, and juicy shrimp to your silky Alfredo sauce, then toss it all together until every bite is coated in creamy goodness. If your sauce looks a touch too thick (especially if your pasta has cooled a bit), splash in some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you get the perfect, luxurious consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Now comes the best part: serving up your masterpiece. Transfer the Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo to warmed plates or a big pasta bowl. Shower with a bit more fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for that “Wow!” effect. Don’t wait—this dish is best enjoyed right away!

How to Serve Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo

Garnishes

For that extra polish, a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley brightens the dish, and a flourish of freshly grated Parmesan makes the presentation irresistible. If you want to spice it up just a little, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes scattered over top is both pretty and flavorful.

Side Dishes

Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo plays nicely with lots of sides, but especially shines with warm crusty bread (for swooping up sauce, naturally!) or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to offset the richness. Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or even a light tomato salad complement the meal beautifully, adding freshness and color.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow a crowd, swirl the pasta onto plates with tongs for a restaurant look, nestling the shrimp on top. Alternatively, serve the whole dish family-style in a big, shallow bowl topped with lemon wedges and herbs. For an extra-special touch, try serving your Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo in parmesan cheese bowls or hollowed-out bread bowls—it’s dramatic and delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the cooled Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo to an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce may thicken overnight, but it’ll still taste amazing within 2 to 3 days. Just be sure to store toppings like parsley separately and add them fresh when serving again.

Freezing

While Alfredo sauces don’t always freeze gracefully (they can separate or become grainy after thawing), you can freeze portions if needed. Place cooled portions of Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy again, let the container thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo gently on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just stir every 30 seconds to ensure even heating and creamy results. Avoid overheating, especially with the shrimp, so they stay tender.

FAQs

Can I use cooked or frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! If using pre-cooked shrimp, just warm them gently in the finished Alfredo sauce at the end, so they don’t get rubbery. If using frozen, thaw them first and pat dry before cooking for the best texture in your Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply swap the fettuccine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The creamy Alfredo sauce and all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo easy to adapt.

What’s the best way to make this lighter without losing flavor?

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. You can also use a smaller amount of Parmesan or add extra broccoli for more veggies. The dish will still be super flavorful and comforting!

Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?

Of course! Try asparagus tips, baby spinach, or peas—they all pair beautifully with shrimp and Alfredo sauce. Feel free to get creative with what’s in season or your family’s favorites in your Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo.

What’s the secret to a silky Alfredo sauce?

The magic lies in using freshly grated Parmesan, gentle heat, and slowly adding the cheese into simmering cream. Stir constantly and don’t let the sauce boil; this keeps it smooth and helps Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo achieve its signature creaminess.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of happiness that comes from sharing a bubbling bowl of Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo. It’s warm, decadent, and crazy-easy—just waiting for you to dig into forkful after forkful. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love, and let this irresistible pasta become a new favorite at your table!

Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Indulge in a decadent and comforting dish with this Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo recipe. Tender shrimp and vibrant broccoli are enveloped in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add broccoli in the last few minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Sear the Shrimp: In a skillet, cook shrimp in olive oil or butter until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add heavy cream. Simmer for a few minutes, whisk in Parmesan cheese until creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Combine and Serve: Add pasta, broccoli, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.