Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta

Treat yourself to a comforting and flavorful dish with Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta. This one-pot meal combines tender shrimp, fresh broccoli, and pasta, all coated in a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick, satisfying, and loaded with both seafood and veggies. Let’s jump into this creamy, cheesy goodness!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets to the pasta water during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
2. Sear the Shrimp:
   While the pasta is cooking, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic-Parmesan Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Add the Parmesan:
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything:
   Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shrimp back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

How to Prepare

This dish is all about balancing the richness of the creamy sauce with the freshness of shrimp and broccoli. The key is not overcooking the shrimp and ensuring the sauce coats the pasta beautifully. Adding pasta water helps maintain the perfect consistency for the sauce. Simple ingredients come together for a luxurious yet easy meal!

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: About 30 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 4 people.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
• Can I use a different vegetable? Absolutely! Spinach or asparagus would be great alternatives.
• Can I make this lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner.
• What can I serve with this dish? A side of garlic bread or a fresh salad complements this creamy pasta perfectly.