Shrimp And Broccoli Cream Pasta

Name: Shrimp And Broccoli Cream Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces fettuccine or tagliatelle; Salt for pasta water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional)

Highlighted under: Heartwarming Meals

I absolutely adore making Shrimp And Broccoli Cream Pasta for a cozy dinner at home. The creamy sauce, combined with fresh shrimp and bright, crunchy broccoli, creates a dish that's not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it's the perfect option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Every bite feels like a treat, and I've learned that the key is to not overcook the shrimp, allowing them to remain tender and juicy in the rich sauce.

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-02-24T07:57:37.673Z

When I first made Shrimp And Broccoli Cream Pasta, I was amazed by how the flavors melded together. I sautéed the shrimp just until they turned pink to keep them plump and tender, and it made a world of difference. The creamy sauce comes together quickly, and the bright green broccoli not only adds color but also a lovely crunch that complements the dish perfectly.

One crucial tip I learned is to reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Adding this starchy water to the sauce helps to bind everything together, ensuring a silky texture that clings beautifully to the pasta. It truly elevates the dish and prevents it from being too heavy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy elegance meets a comforting pasta experience
The fresh taste of broccoli balances the richness perfectly
Quick and satisfying, ideal for any night of the week

Mastering the Creamy Sauce

The cream sauce in this Shrimp And Broccoli Cream Pasta is what sets it apart. The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, silky texture that clings beautifully to the pasta. When adding the cream, keep the heat at a medium-low setting to prevent it from boiling too vigorously, which can cause separation. A gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes allows the flavors to meld without losing that luxurious consistency.

Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before combining everything. The Parmesan adds saltiness, but the amount may vary by brand. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper enhances the flavor profile, while a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a nice hint of heat if desired. Remember, the balance between the creaminess and seasoning is key for a satisfying dish.

Choosing the Perfect Shrimp

When selecting shrimp for this dish, opt for fresh or thawed shrimp that are firm to the touch and have a slight sheen. Avoid shrimp that smells overly fishy, as this indicates spoilage. I prefer using medium to large shrimp; they provide a more satisfying bite and their succulent texture complements the creamy sauce beautifully. If you're in a pinch, frozen shrimp work just as well—just ensure they're fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for the best results.

Cooking the shrimp quickly over medium heat is crucial. If overcooked, shrimp can become rubbery and tough. Remember to cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes total. This allows them to remain juicy, contributing to the overall richness of the dish. Set them aside after cooking; they'll be added back into the sauce later, ensuring they don’t overcook.

Perfect Pairings and Variations

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing bite that complements the richness of the pasta. If you're looking to bulk up your meal, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes, both of which bring additional flavors and textures that harmonize with the shrimp and broccoli.

For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. If you're watching carbohydrates, zucchini noodles or other vegetable-based noodles make a great alternative to traditional pasta. Just keep in mind that the cooking times will vary; zucchini noodles take only a few minutes to cook, so add them towards the end of the sauce preparation to maintain their texture.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 ounces fettuccine or tagliatelle
Salt for pasta water

For the Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparation Steps

Cooking Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water for the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Make the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine, then add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shrimp to the sauce. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.

Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy your delicious Shrimp And Broccoli Cream Pasta!

Pro Tips

For a lightened version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and add more veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers of your Shrimp And Broccoli Cream Pasta, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To keep the dish from drying out, you might consider adding a splash of milk or cream when reheating. Gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching the sauce. Alternatively, microwaving works, but use a medium setting and cover the bowl to trap steam, ensuring more even reheating.

Freezing the dish isn't recommended due to the creamy sauce's tendency to separate when thawed. However, the components can be frozen separately. Cooked shrimp and broccoli can be frozen for up to 3 months, while the sauce can be stored frozen for 1-2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw the components in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them together.

Troubleshooting Cream Sauce Issues

If your cream sauce starts to curdle or separate, don’t panic! This can happen if the heat is too high or if the cream is added too quickly. To fix a curdled sauce, try whisking in a small amount of warm pasta water to cool it down and bring it back together. If it's still not smooth, blend the sauce in a blender until creamy and then return it to the pan.

Another common issue is having a sauce that’s too thick. If you find your sauce is not coating the pasta well, simply add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired consistency. This water not only helps thin the sauce but also adds starch, which will help the sauce adhere nicely to the pasta.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

→ What pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine or tagliatelle are perfect for holding the creamy sauce, but you can use any pasta you have on hand.

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply reheat while cooking the pasta.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream for a lighter option.