Imagine tender shrimp and bright green broccoli nestled in silky ribbons of fettuccine, all cloaked in a lusciously creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce—this is Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo at its absolute best. It delivers the kind of comfort you crave on a busy weeknight but is impressive enough to serve at a special gathering. Each bite combines satisfying textures and savory flavors, making it one of those magical dishes you’ll want to make over and over again.

Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo lies in its uncomplicated ingredient list; every component has a purpose. From the sweet snap of shrimp to the cozy comfort of cream, you’ll find each ingredient plays a starring role in building the flavor, texture, and vibrant color of the finished dish.

Large shrimp: Quick-cooking and juicy, these make the meal feel special—be sure to peel and devein for best texture!
Broccoli florets: Their tender-crisp bite contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Fettuccine pasta: Wide noodles capture every drop of Alfredo sauce, so you get a luscious mouthful every time.
Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps brown the shrimp without burning.
Unsalted butter: Gives the sauce its rich, velvety base—go for unsalted so you control the seasoning.
Garlic: Just a hint infuses deep savory flavor and unmistakable aroma.
Heavy cream: The backbone of classic Alfredo, providing indulgent richness.
Whole milk: Lightens up the sauce just enough for perfect balance.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty, and creamy when melted, this is the secret to Alfredo’s signature taste.
Salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best, it brings just the right amount of warmth.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle, spicy edge that brightens each bite.

How to Make Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine, and just before it’s al dente, drop in the broccoli florets. The last two minutes of pasta cooking makes the broccoli perfectly tender but never mushy. This one-pot trick saves time and ensures both pasta and broccoli are drained together, ready to soak up that dreamy Alfredo sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

While the pasta bubbles away, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lay the shrimp in a single layer and let them sizzle for about 2–3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Take care not to overcook—shrimp are at their best when juicy and tender. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Using that same skillet (with all its flavorful shrimp bits!), melt the butter and sauté the garlic just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking as the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Stir constantly as the cheese melts, creating a creamy, smooth sauce that smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the drained fettuccine and broccoli right into the skillet of Alfredo sauce, followed by the cooked shrimp. Toss gently with tongs to coat every noodle, shrimp, and piece of broccoli with that luscious sauce. The result: Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo in all its creamy, colorful glory! Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a crack of black pepper go a long way towards that restaurant-style presentation. For a burst of green and freshness, scatter some chopped parsley or fresh basil over the top. If you love a little extra zing, a pinch of red pepper flakes shines beautifully on Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines beside simple, classic sides. Warm garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of Alfredo sauce. A crisp green salad with lemony dressing balances the richness, while roasted tomatoes or a light Caprese salad make wonderful complementary additions to your Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo feel extra-special? Serve it twirled into pasta nests on individual plates or spooned into hollowed-out Parmesan cheese bowls. For gatherings, try baking it briefly under the broiler for a golden Parm crust. Or, offer mini portions in ramekins at your next party—they disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but leftover flavor is fantastic and reheats beautifully for lunch or a quick dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo, though the sauce may separate a bit when thawed. For best results, cool completely and freeze in individual portions. Reheat gently, and if needed, stir in a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the Alfredo sauce. Avoid high heat, which can overcook the shrimp and break the sauce. A microwave works too—just cover and use low power, stirring halfway for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat frozen shrimp dry before sautéing. This helps them brown evenly and prevents excess water from thinning out your Alfredo sauce.

What pasta shapes can I use instead of fettuccine?

Fettuccine is classic, but Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo works beautifully with linguine, spaghetti, or even penne. Choose a pasta shape that will catch plenty of sauce for maximum deliciousness.

How can I make Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo lighter?

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat milk, less butter, and sub half-and-half for some or all of the cream. You’ll still get creamy Alfredo vibes, but with a bit less richness.

Can I prepare Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta, broccoli, and shrimp in advance, storing them separately until ready to assemble. When it’s time to eat, quickly make the Alfredo sauce, toss in the rest, and dinner is ready in minutes!

Is there a dairy-free way to enjoy Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo?

You can make Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo with plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan Parmesan cheese. The result is surprisingly creamy and delicious—just be sure to use products you love the taste of.

Final Thoughts

Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is the definition of cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food—easy enough for any night, yet impressive for dinner guests. If you’re craving creamy, savory goodness that comes together in just 30 minutes, give this recipe a whirl. You’ll be surprised how quickly it disappears!