Easy Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta is a simple and delicious meal that combines tender shrimp, crunchy broccoli, and pasta all mixed in a creamy sauce. It tastes like a restaurant dish but is quick enough to make at home on a busy weeknight. The creamy sauce is made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, like milk, butter, and cheese. This recipe is perfect for people who love seafood and want a meal that feels comforting and fancy at the same time.
The best part is that this dish is balanced and colorful. You get protein from the shrimp, vitamins from the broccoli, and energy from the pasta. It’s also a great way to introduce kids to seafood because the creamy sauce makes the shrimp taste mild and tasty. You can easily change the ingredients to match your taste, like adding garlic or a little lemon for extra flavor.
Why You Should Try the Easy Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta
You should try the Easy Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta because it’s fast, healthy, and super flavorful. If you’re tired of eating the same boring meals every week, this recipe is a fun way to switch things up. It only takes about 20–30 minutes to make, so you can enjoy a delicious dinner even on busy days.
It’s also a great recipe for kids because it has a creamy sauce that makes everything taste amazing. Shrimp is a healthy protein that cooks quickly, and broccoli adds a nice crunch and color. This meal feels like a special dinner, but it’s easy enough for beginner cooks to make.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients you’ll need for Easy Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta
Here is everything you need to make Easy Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta:
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces (about 225g) pasta like fettuccine, penne, or linguine
- 2 cups broccoli florets
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound (about 450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk for a lighter sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
How to Make Easy Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente meaning it’s still slightly firm.
During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot so they cook together with the pasta. This saves time and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Drain and Set Aside
Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, drain them using a colander. Set them aside while you make the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turns pink and slightly curled.
Be careful not to overcook the shrimp because it can become rubbery. When the shrimp is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it smells amazing.
Pour in the heavy cream or milk and stir gently. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with creamy sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little pasta water or milk to make it smoother.
Step 6: Add Final Flavors
Add lemon juice or red pepper flakes if you like a little tang or spice. Taste the pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pasta hot in bowls. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if you want.
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Kitchen equipment you will need :
Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:
- Large pot for boiling pasta and broccoli
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Colander to drain pasta and broccoli
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
Tips and Variation Ideas
Shortcut for faster cooking: Use frozen broccoli instead of fresh. Just add it to the pasta pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
Make it extra creamy: Add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the sauce for a richer flavor.
If you don’t like shrimp: You can swap it with chicken or even tofu.
Keep the pasta from sticking: Toss the pasta with a little olive oil after draining.
Avoid overcooking shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the pan as soon as it turns pink.
What can I serve with this Easy Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta ?
I often serve this delicious Easy Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta with lemon juice for extra refreshment, or fruit juice as well. Sometimes I serve it with a simple salad, and as soon as we finish eating it, my daughter loves some cake or cupcakes.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp ?
Yes. Just thaw it first and pat it dry before cooking.
Can I use chicken instead of shrimp ?
Yes! Cook chicken pieces first, then add them to the sauce.
How long does it last in the fridge ?
Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze it ?
Yes, but the sauce may become a bit watery when thawed.
Easy Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes520
kcal30
minutesA quick and creamy shrimp pasta with tender broccoli, tossed in a cheesy sauce for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
8 ounces (about 225g) pasta like fettuccine, penne, or linguine
2 cups broccoli florets
1 pound (about 450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream or milk for a lighter sauce
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
Directions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente meaning it’s still slightly firm.
- During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot so they cook together with the pasta. This saves time and makes cleanup easier.
- Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, drain them using a colander. Set them aside while you make the creamy sauce.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turns pink and slightly curled.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp because it can become rubbery. When the shrimp is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it smells amazing.
- Pour in the heavy cream or milk and stir gently. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little pasta water or milk to make it smoother.
- Add lemon juice or red pepper flakes if you like a little tang or spice. Taste the pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the pasta hot in bowls. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if you want.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor, but frozen works great too.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp it should turn pink and curl into a “C” shape.
- Add broccoli to pasta water in the last 2–3 minutes to save time.
- Warm the cream before adding to the pan to prevent curdling.
