Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo is a rich and creamy dish that combines tender shrimp, fresh broccoli, and a luscious Alfredo sauce served over your choice of pasta. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a delicious meal for any night of the week. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to various dietary preferences.
Key Ingredients and Why They Matter
Shrimp
Shrimp provides a lean source of protein and adds a delightful seafood flavor to the dish. It cooks quickly and pairs well with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Pro Tip: Use large, deveined shrimp for the best texture.
Broccoli
Broccoli adds a healthy, crunchy element and provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
- Substitution Tip: You can swap out broccoli for other green vegetables like asparagus or spinach.
Alfredo Sauce
The Alfredo sauce is made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, offering a rich and creamy base for the pasta. You can adjust the thickness by adding pasta water or additional cream.
- Pro Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
How to Make Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your choice)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta to blanch them.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- While the pasta is cooking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together in the Alfredo sauce until well coated.
- Stir in the lemon juice for a hint of brightness (optional).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Dietary Adaptations
Precise Diet Classifications:
- Pescatarian: This recipe includes shrimp and is perfect for a pescatarian diet.
- Vegetarian (without shrimp): Omit the shrimp to make this dish vegetarian, and consider adding extra broccoli or a plant-based protein like tofu.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure any store-bought sauces or cheese are also gluten-free.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb version.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free Alfredo.
- Low-Fat: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, and reduce the amount of butter used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh. Store the sauce and shrimp in the fridge for up to 2 days, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
What other vegetables can I use?
You can substitute the broccoli with spinach, asparagus, or even zucchini. These vegetables also pair well with the Alfredo sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not recommended to freeze dishes with a cream-based sauce, as the texture may change when thawed and reheated.
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