Creamy Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo (The Ultimate 30-Minute Meal!)

Hello, my friends! Let’s talk about those weeknights that demand a meal that is both incredibly fast and deeply comforting. For those exact moments, this Creamy Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is the answer to your dinner dreams. It’s a restaurant-quality pasta dish that, believe it or not, comes together in your own kitchen in about 30 minutes.

This isn’t your average Alfredo. We use a brilliant shortcut with cream cheese to create an ultra-rich, velvety, and completely foolproof sauce without any fuss. Imagine tender, pink shrimp, vibrant green broccoli florets, and classic fettuccine all tossed in a luscious, cheesy sauce made right in the same pan. It’s a complete, satisfying, and elegant meal that the whole family will adore.

Why This is Your New Favorite Weeknight Pasta

This recipe is the perfect combination of easy and elegant. You’re going to love it!

• Ready in 30 Minutes: This is the ultimate fast meal. From starting the pasta water to sitting down at the table, it all happens in about half an hour.
• The Easiest Creamy Sauce: The cream cheese sauce hack is a game-changer! It melts down beautifully with milk and Parmesan to create a rich, smooth Alfredo sauce without any risk of it breaking.
• A Complete Meal in One Bowl: You’ve got it all! Protein from the shrimp, healthy veggies from the broccoli, and satisfying carbs from the pasta.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The combination of garlic butter, tender shrimp, and a rich, cheesy sauce will make you feel like you’re dining at your favorite Italian restaurant.

The Simple, Delicious Ingredients You’ll Need

This impressive pasta dish comes together with a handful of easy-to-find ingredients.

• 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
• 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups frozen broccoli florets
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pepper to taste

How to Make Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s get this quick and creamy dinner on the table!

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package directions until al dente.

2. Sauté the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and the minced garlic. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp just turn pink and opaque. This will only take a few minutes! Immediately remove the shrimp and garlic from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet with the delicious garlic butter, add the cubed cream cheese, milk, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Cook over medium heat, stirring and whisking constantly, until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Steam the Broccoli & Combine: In a separate saucepan, bring about 1 inch of water to a boil. Add the frozen broccoli, cover, and steam for 1-2 minutes, just until it’s tender-crisp and bright green. Drain the broccoli well. Stir the steamed broccoli, the cooked shrimp and garlic, the salt, and a few grinds of pepper into the cheese sauce. Let it heat through for a minute.

5. Toss and Serve: Drain the cooked fettuccine well and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce, shrimp, and broccoli. Use tongs to toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the luscious sauce. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese and black pepper on top if you like!

Tips for the Absolute Best Shrimp Alfredo

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook in a flash! The second they turn pink and curl up, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For the fastest and smoothest sauce, let your cream cheese sit out for about 20-30 minutes before you start cooking. It will melt into the milk much more easily.
• Save Your Pasta Water: This is a pro tip for any pasta dish! Before you drain your fettuccine, reserve about a cup of the starchy cooking water. If your Alfredo sauce seems a little too thick, you can stir in a splash of this water to thin it out to the perfect consistency.
• Fresh Broccoli Works Too: If using fresh broccoli florets, they will just need a slightly longer steaming time, about 3-4 minutes, until tender-crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo

Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic with sliced, cooked chicken breast. Just add it to the sauce at the end along with the broccoli.

What other kinds of pasta can I use?
While fettuccine is classic, this creamy sauce is wonderful with linguine, penne, or bow-tie pasta.

How do I make this lighter?
You can use light cream cheese (Neufchâtel) and 2% milk to reduce the fat and calories. The sauce may be slightly less rich, but it will still be delicious.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to help loosen up the sauce as it warms.

Conclusion

This Creamy Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is the perfect proof that you don’t need a lot of time to create a truly special, satisfying, and family-pleasing meal. It’s a weeknight dinner that feels like a weekend indulgence. Enjoy every creamy, delicious bite!