Introduction
Have you ever craved a dish that is both indulgent and healthy? Imagine a bowl of tender pasta intertwined with plump shrimp and vibrant green broccoli, all enveloped in a creamy garlic sauce. This Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta hits all the right notes — it’s comforting yet light, rich yet refreshing.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a weeknight meal with family, this dish will impress. The succulent shrimp brings protein to the plate while the steamed broccoli adds essential nutrients and a pop of color. Get ready to enjoy an explosion of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta
Quick to Prepare: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time and cooking under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and fiber from broccoli, this dish is not only satisfying but also nutritious. It’s a great way to incorporate vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
Creamy Delight: The creamy sauce elevates this pasta dish to a whole new level. With garlic and Parmesan cheese as key ingredients, each bite is bursting with rich flavors that blend beautifully together.
Versatile Meal: You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the shrimp for another protein. It’s adaptable to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Shrimp: Use medium or large shrimp; fresh or frozen will work well. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed before cooking.
- Pasta: Spaghetti or fettuccine works best for this recipe; choose whole grain for added health benefits.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh florets provide the best texture. Steam them lightly before adding to the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances flavor; aim for three cloves for optimal taste.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient creates the creamy texture; you may substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth of flavor; opt for freshly grated if possible.
For the seasoning:
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for its robust flavor when sautéing.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about one minute). Then add the shrimp; cook until they turn pink (about three minutes).
Add Broccoli: Incorporate steamed broccoli florets into the skillet with shrimp. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Create the Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet along with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until everything is combined; let it simmer gently for about five minutes until thickened slightly.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the creamy mixture. Toss everything together until well coated.
Serve Immediately: Transfer to plates while hot; garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired for an added touch of deliciousness.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Select Quality Shrimp: Always choose fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Look for firm texture and mild ocean scent when selecting fresh ones.
Avoid Overcooking Pasta: To achieve perfect al dente texture, be sure not to overcook your pasta as it continues cooking slightly after draining.
: Fresh garlic and broccoli significantly enhance flavor compared to dried alternatives; always go fresh when possible!
: Feel free to modify how much heavy cream you use based on personal preference—less cream yields a lighter dish while more makes it richer.
: Don’t hesitate to add spices like red pepper flakes or lemon zest for an extra kick that complements both shrimp and broccoli beautifully!
Mistakes to avoid
Overcooking the shrimp
One common mistake in making shrimp and broccoli pasta is overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes, depending on their size. When overcooked, they turn rubbery and lose their delicate flavor. To prevent this, ensure you sauté the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from heat immediately to stop cooking. This keeps your dish tender and flavorful, enhancing the overall experience of your shrimp and broccoli pasta.
Neglecting to season adequately
Another mistake is not seasoning the dish properly. Seasoning enhances the flavors of all ingredients, especially in a simple recipe like shrimp and broccoli pasta. Use salt, pepper, garlic, and even a pinch of red pepper flakes for added depth. Taste as you go; you may find that adjusting these elements can elevate your dish significantly. Remember to season both the pasta water and sautéed ingredients for a more harmonious flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Shrimp and broccoli pasta is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a side salad. A fresh mixed greens salad dressed in a light vinaigrette enhances the meal’s flavors without overpowering them. The crispness of the greens complements the tender shrimp and broccoli while adding a refreshing contrast. Consider adding cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for extra color and texture.
Garlic Bread
Serve your shrimp and broccoli pasta with warm garlic bread for a hearty experience. The buttery, garlicky aroma will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. Simply toast slices of your favorite bread with garlic butter, and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes until golden brown. This adds a delightful crunch that balances the dish’s softness.
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Top your shrimp and broccoli pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor. The nutty taste of Parmesan perfectly complements the dish, enhancing its richness. Sprinkle generously over each serving right before serving to allow it to melt slightly on the warm pasta.
Lemon Wedges
Add lemon wedges to the serving dish for a zesty finish. Squeezing fresh lemon juice over your shrimp and broccoli pasta brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing hint of acidity. This simple addition elevates the dish, making it even more enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp and broccoli pasta?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp in this recipe. Make sure to thaw them properly by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for quick thawing. Using frozen shrimp can be convenient without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What type of pasta works best with shrimp and broccoli?
Any type of pasta can work well in this dish, but linguine or fettuccine are particularly good choices due to their flat shape that holds onto sauces effectively. However, feel free to experiment with penne or farfalle if you prefer those shapes instead.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare shrimp and broccoli pasta ahead of time! Cook the ingredients separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Is shrimp and broccoli pasta healthy?
Shrimp and broccoli pasta can be part of a healthy diet when made with whole grain pasta and plenty of vegetables. Shrimp provides lean protein while broccoli adds fiber and vitamins. Adjusting oil usage and portion sizes helps maintain its nutritional value without compromising flavor.
Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta is a delightful fusion of succulent shrimp, vibrant broccoli, and tender pasta, all enveloped in a creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, this dish balances indulgence with nutrition, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious food lovers. In just under 30 minutes, you can prepare a meal that’s rich in flavor yet light enough to enjoy any night of the week. The addition of Parmesan cheese enhances the overall taste while fresh ingredients ensure each bite is bursting with goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this easy-to-follow recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 lb medium or large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in steamed broccoli florets, mixing well with the shrimp.
- Pour in heavy cream and add grated Parmesan cheese; stir until combined and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with the creamy shrimp mixture; toss until well-coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 240mg
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