This Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine with Broccoli is the perfect combination of creamy, indulgent Alfredo sauce, succulent shrimp, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked fettuccine. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and makes for a cozy, satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine Broccoli is a rich, flavorful dish that strikes the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh. The shrimp are tender and perfectly cooked, while the broccoli adds a healthy crunch to this indulgent pasta. The homemade Alfredo sauce is silky smooth and brings everything together for a decadent meal. It’s quick, easy, and the ultimate comfort food, ideal for weeknights or when you want something special for dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
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1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
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½ cup butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tablespoons flour
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2 cups heavy whipping cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups broccoli florets
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8 ounces fettuccine
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Cook the Fettuccine:
In a large pot of boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2. Steam the Broccoli:
In another large saucepan, steam the broccoli florets until tender. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet with a slotted spoon and tent with foil to keep warm.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour to create a roux, and cook for another minute. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to smooth out any lumps. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and reduce the heat to low, letting the sauce thicken.
5. Combine:
Add the cooked shrimp, fettuccine, and broccoli into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Let it heat through and combine the flavors, making sure everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Variations
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Add More Vegetables: You can include other veggies like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for a spicy kick.
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Use Different Pasta: Swap the fettuccine for another pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or linguine.
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Substitute Shrimp: If you don’t have shrimp, you can use chicken breast or even a mix of both shrimp and chicken.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add the cooked shrimp, broccoli, and fettuccine.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw and drain them properly before cooking to ensure the best texture.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor.
4. How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp cook quickly and are done when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
5. Can I use low-fat cream?
You can use a lighter version of cream, like half-and-half, but the sauce might be a bit less rich and creamy. Full-fat heavy cream yields the best results for a luxurious sauce.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before tossing with the pasta and shrimp.
7. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Make sure to stir constantly while adding the cream to the roux to ensure the sauce stays smooth. Once the sauce thickens, keep the heat on low and avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from separating.
8. Can I use a non-dairy version of the sauce?
Yes, you can use non-dairy cream alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk and vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
9. How do I cook the broccoli?
You can steam the broccoli in a steamer basket, microwave it, or sauté it for a different texture. Just ensure it’s tender but not overcooked.
10. Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the shrimp and Alfredo sauce separately and then reassemble when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine Broccoli is the perfect combination of creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. With succulent shrimp, tender broccoli, and fettuccine coated in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, this dish is a comforting treat for any night of the week. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and always sure to please. Enjoy this indulgent, cozy meal with your loved ones!
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Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine Broccoli
This Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine with Broccoli is a creamy and indulgent dish featuring succulent shrimp, tender broccoli, and fettuccine all coated in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s the perfect comforting and easy meal for a cozy dinner.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 ounces fettuccine
Instructions
- Cook the Fettuccine: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Steam the Broccoli: In another large saucepan, steam the broccoli florets until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet with a slotted spoon and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the flour and stir to make a roux. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to smooth out any lumps. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Combine: Add the cooked shrimp, fettuccine, and broccoli into the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Let it heat through and mix well.
- Serve: Serve the dish garnished with parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, you can add a little more butter or Parmesan to the sauce.
- You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or peas for variety.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 180mg