Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo

Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish that combines succulent shrimp, tender broccoli, and a velvety Alfredo sauce. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the creaminess of the sauce, the sweetness of the shrimp, and the freshness of the broccoli. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for a special meal!

Here’s how to make it:

Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking shrimp)
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into florets (or 2 cups frozen broccoli florets)
• 12 oz fettuccine pasta (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Freshly grated Parmesan (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine (or pasta of your choice) according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the shrimp:

   • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the broccoli:

   • In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets (and a little extra oil or butter if needed). Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant. If you’re using frozen broccoli, cook for a bit longer until heated through. Set the broccoli aside with the shrimp.

4. Make the Alfredo sauce:

   • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese (if using), and continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

5. Combine everything:

   • Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and broccoli into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and everything is heated through.
   • If needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of pasta water to thin out the sauce.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the shrimp and broccoli Alfredo on a platter or individual plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and more grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips:

• For extra flavor: You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish.
• Make it creamy: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more Parmesan or even a bit of cream cheese. Alternatively, reduce the sauce a bit longer to concentrate the flavors.
• Vegetarian version: You can skip the shrimp and add more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
• Make it lighter: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy.

This Shrimp & Broccoli Alfredo is a great comfort food meal that’s easy to prepare but still impressive. It’s the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and fresh flavors! Enjoy!