Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Pasta: Easy Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Quick creamy shrimp and broccoli pasta recipe. Enjoy a flavorful, satisfying dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Pasta & Garden Greens
01 -
12 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
02 -
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 lb)
→ Seafood & Sautéed Aromatics
03 -
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
04 -
2 tbsp olive oil
05 -
1 large shallot, finely chopped
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Rich & Velvety Sauce Base
07 -
1 cup heavy cream
08 -
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
09 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Bright Finishers & Seasonings
10 -
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
11 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
12 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
13 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add 4 cups fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
02 -
While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large shallot, finely chopped, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 -
Add 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to the skillet with the aromatics. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. This ensures perfectly cooked shrimp for your Easy Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta Recipe.
04 -
Pour 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 -
Add the drained pasta and broccoli back to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached for your Easy Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta Recipe.
06 -
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, before serving this delightful Easy Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta Recipe immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcook the shrimp! They cook very quickly and can become rubbery if left on the heat for too long. Remove them as soon as they turn pink.
02 -
For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
03 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
04 -
A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can really brighten up the flavors of this dish.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Colander
08 -
Tongs
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 783 kcal
Total Fat: 35 g
Total Carbohydrate: 77 g
Protein: 44 g