Satisfy your pasta cravings with Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine & Broccoli! This dish is creamy, savory, and packed with nutrients for a balanced meal you’ll crave again and again. With a rich blend of flavors and textures, it’s an easy way to impress at the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A creamy indulgence: The rich Alfredo sauce envelops each strand of fettuccine, creating a mouthwatering experience.
- Nutrient-packed broccoli: The addition of broccoli not only adds color but also provides important vitamins and minerals.
- Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful shrimp: The shrimp brings a delicious seafood twist, elevating this pasta dish to new heights.
- Crowd-pleaser: This Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine & Broccoli is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Are you ready to gather those fresh ingredients? The beauty of this Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine & Broccoli dish lies in how simple yet essential these ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a well-balanced, flavor-packed meal.
- Fettuccine: Classic pasta that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp adds protein and a delightful taste; use peeled and deveined for convenience.
- Broccoli florets: Bright green and crunchy, they will add a healthy twist to your dish.
- Heavy cream: The foundation of the rich Alfredo sauce, ensuring that creamy consistency.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for a savory flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the overall flavor of the dish; don’t skimp on this one.
- Butter: Key to making the sauce rich and luxurious; use unsalted for better control over saltiness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate the flavors of your dish.
Variations for Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine & Broccoli
Feel free to customize your Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine & Broccoli! This recipe is versatile, allowing you to easily adapt based on ingredients, dietary needs, or personal taste preferences.
- Vegetable variety: Swap out broccoli for asparagus, spinach, or even peas for a different flavor and texture profile.
- Protein options: Try chicken or scallops if shrimp isn’t your favorite; both work wonderfully in Alfredo.
- Vegan alternative: Use a plant-based cream and nutritional yeast to create a dairy-free version.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for some heat.
- Herb enhancements: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine & Broccoli
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli
In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté for around 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. You could also blanch them in water first for extra tenderness.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Add minced garlic to the skillet with the broccoli and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with the creamy shrimp Alfredo sauce and broccoli is evenly distributed.
Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine & Broccoli
- Fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh ingredients when possible; they make a world of difference in flavor.
- Don’t overcook shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly; keep a watchful eye to prevent rubbery texture.
- Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken.
- Cheese quality: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
- Experiments are encouraged: Don’t hesitate to try new herbs or spices to personalize the dish to your liking.
How to Serve Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine & Broccoli
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top can provide a burst of color and elevate the dish aesthetically.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs perfectly with a light side salad or garlic bread. Consider serving with steamed vegetables or a fresh tomato salad for brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine & Broccoli in a large, family-style bowl, or plate individual servings and top with extra cheese for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine & Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing.
Freezing
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze this dish. Store it in a freezer-safe container; however, the texture of the shrimp may change slightly when thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help restore creaminess. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the shrimp properly before cooking to get the best texture.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute fettuccine with any pasta of your choice such as penne or linguine!
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes! You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.
What can I substitute for broccoli?
Other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach are great alternatives if you want to mix up the flavor profile.
How spicy is this dish? Can I make it spicy?
The dish is inherently mild, but you can easily kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a hot sauce of your choice!
Final Thoughts
I encourage you to try your hand at making Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine & Broccoli. It’s a wonderful dish that brings the comforts of home cooking right to your table, wrapped in a creamy, savory package. Happy cooking!
Related Posts
- Tex-Mex Grilled Cheese: A Flavorful Twist
- Flavor-Packed Garlic Butter Asparagus Orzo Delight
- Creamy Baked Caesar Chicken in Parmesan Sauce
Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine & Broccoli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Description
Satisfy your pasta cravings with Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine & Broccoli! This creamy, savory dish is packed with nutrients and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With flavorful shrimp and bright green broccoli, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will impress at the dinner table.
Ingredients
Fettuccine
- 12 oz Fettuccine
Shrimp
- 1 lb Fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
Broccoli
- 2 cups Broccoli florets
Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Heavy cream
Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic
- 3 cloves Fresh garlic, minced
Butter
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
Salt and Pepper
- To taste Salt
- To taste Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Fettuccine – Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp – In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare the Broccoli – In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté for around 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. You could also blanch them in water first for extra tenderness.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce – Add minced garlic to the skillet with the broccoli and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.
- Combine Everything – Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with the creamy shrimp Alfredo sauce, and broccoli is evenly distributed.
Notes
- Always opt for fresh ingredients when possible; they make a world of difference in flavor.
- Shrimp cooks quickly; keep a watchful eye to prevent a rubbery texture.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
- Feel free to try new herbs or spices to personalize the dish to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 220mg