When it comes to rich, soul-warming comfort food, Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli checks all the boxes. It’s decadent yet balanced, with juicy shrimp, tender-crisp broccoli, and penne pasta tossed in a velvety Parmesan Alfredo sauce. This is one of those dishes that feels restaurant-worthy, yet comes together in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for two or a family-friendly weeknight meal, this pasta recipe is a foolproof crowd-pleaser.

Who This Recipe Is Perfect For

This recipe is designed for:

• Home cooks looking for a quick but elegant dinner.

• Seafood lovers who enjoy shrimp-centered meals.

• Families who want a creamy pasta dish with hidden vegetables.

• Beginner cooks—this dish is easy and nearly impossible to mess up.

And let’s not forget: this dish is just as good for a romantic date night as it is for a comforting weeknight dinner with the kids.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

✅ Ready in 30 minutes or less
✅ Made with simple, fresh ingredients
✅ Packed with flavor, texture, and nutrients
✅ Easily adaptable to your taste
✅ Perfect for meal prep or dinner parties

Ingredient Breakdown

🧄 For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

• Salt & pepper, to taste

🍤 For the Pasta & Shrimp:

• 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta you love)

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper, to taste

🌿 For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Optional: Extra Parmesan

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for pasta

• Colander

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Knife and cutting board

• Measuring spoons and cups

• Tongs or a pasta spoon for tossing

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta & Broccoli

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

• Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions.

• In the last 2 minutes of boiling, toss in the broccoli florets.

• Drain and set aside.

🥦 Pro Tip: This method keeps the broccoli vibrant and slightly crisp—perfect for contrast in the creamy sauce.

2️⃣ Sauté the Shrimp

• Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.

• Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

🍤 Don’t overcook! Shrimp cooks fast and becomes rubbery if left too long.

3️⃣ Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

• Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

• Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer.

• Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

• Add salt and pepper to taste.

🧀 Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better and tastes superior to pre-shredded.

4️⃣ Combine & Serve

• Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce.

• Toss until everything is well coated.

• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.

• Serve hot and enjoy!

🍽️ Serving suggestion: Pair with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad for the ultimate Italian-American feast.

Storage Tips

🧊 Leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

❄️ Freezing:

• Not recommended. Cream sauces can separate when frozen and reheated.

Make It Your Own: Variations & Swaps

• Low-carb version: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

• Add-ins: Try mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.

• No shrimp? Use grilled chicken, scallops, or keep it vegetarian.

• Lactose-sensitive? Substitute with lactose-free cream or a light cashew cream.

• Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Food & Drink Pairings

🍷 Wine: A chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce beautifully.

🍋 Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or a light herbal iced tea.

🥖 Sides: Garlic knots, roasted vegetables, or a simple arugula salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely—just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

What’s the best pasta for Alfredo?

Penne, fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni all work well as they hold the sauce nicely.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes! You can make the Alfredo sauce and shrimp in advance. Just cook the pasta and combine when ready to serve.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Try using a plant-based butter and cream alternative (like coconut cream or oat cream), and skip the cheese or use a vegan Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something special. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, all while being deceptively simple to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can bring a touch of restaurant flair to your dinner table any night of the week.

📣 Enjoyed this recipe?
Then share it with friends and family on social media, and subscribe to the blog for more easy, delicious, and comforting recipes delivered straight to your inbox. 🍤🍝💌

Let’s keep cooking together!