Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli
This delicious dish is Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli—a rich comforting pasta loaded with juicy shrimp tender broccoli and a silky garlic cream sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something indulgent but still packed with protein and veggies.
Time Required:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work great)
1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil
Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions
In the last 2 minutes of cooking add broccoli to the pot
Drain and set aside
Sauté the Shrimp:
In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium-high heat
Add shrimp season with salt pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque
Remove shrimp and set aside
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet reduce heat to medium
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant
Pour in heavy cream and stir in parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning
Simmer until thickened (about 3–5 minutes)
Combine Everything:
Return shrimp and broccoli-pasta mixture to the pan
Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce
Adjust salt pepper and add red pepper flakes if desired
Serve:
Serve warm garnished with chopped parsley and extra cheese if you like
Tips:
Don’t Overcook Shrimp
Shrimp cooks quickly and becomes rubbery if overdone 2 to 3 minutes per side is plenty.
Fresh or Frozen Broccoli
Either works fine. Just steam or boil briefly before adding if frozen.
Use Reserved Pasta Water
If sauce is too thick stir in a splash of pasta cooking water for extra creaminess.
Grate Cheese Fresh
Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a smooth texture.
Add the Garlic at the Right Time
Don’t let it brown it should just be golden and fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Variations:
Swap the Protein
Use chicken scallops or tofu instead of shrimp if preferred.
Make It Lighter
Sub heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt.
Add More Veggies
Spinach mushrooms bell peppers or peas all pair well.
Turn Up the Heat
A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
Make It Gluten-Free
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta just watch the cooking time closely.
Questions and Answers
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
– Yes but add them at the end just to warm through so they don’t turn rubbery.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
– It’s best fresh but can be reheated gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
3. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
– You can use half-and-half or make a roux with butter flour and milk to thicken the sauce.
4. What’s the best pasta type to use?
– Short pastas like penne or rotini work great but fettuccine or linguine are also delicious.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
– It’s not ideal as the cream sauce can separate but leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 530
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Carbs: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
(Values may vary based on ingredients and pasta used.)
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Broccoli is rich savory and satisfying with just the right balance of comfort and freshness. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for a dinner guest. The garlic cream sauce coats every bite of tender pasta juicy shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli making it a must-try for seafood lovers.