Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo

Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo is a delightful and creamy pasta dish that combines tender shrimp, fresh broccoli, and a rich Alfredo sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that will please the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces fusilli pasta or pasta of choice
• 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails off
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining; set aside.
2. Steam the Broccoli:
   • Steam the broccoli for about 5 minutes until tender but still bright green. Set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
   • In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   • Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden brown.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach the desired consistency.
6. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, and cooked shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish for Extra Flavor:
   • Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the Alfredo for added color and flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also enhance the taste.
2. Accompaniments:
   • Pair the dish with garlic bread, a side salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A crisp Caesar salad complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce well.
3. Portion Control:
   • Serve the Alfredo in individual bowls or plates for an elegant presentation. This also helps with portion control.
4. Wine Pairing:
   • A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, pairs nicely with the creamy sauce and shrimp.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration:
   • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish has cooled completely before sealing and storing.
2. Freezing:
   • While freezing is possible, it may affect the texture of the sauce and shrimp. If you choose to freeze, store the Alfredo in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Reheating:
   • Reheat the Alfredo gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
4. Maintain Moisture:
   • When reheating, add a small amount of reserved pasta cooking water, milk, or broth to keep the sauce from becoming too thick or dry.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo remains delicious and enjoyable, whether served fresh or reheated as leftovers!

Variations:

1. Chicken Alfredo:
   • Substitute the shrimp with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink and then proceed with the recipe.
2. Vegetarian Alfredo:
   • Omit the shrimp and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the Alfredo sauce.
3. Cajun Shrimp Alfredo:
   • Add 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before cooking. This will give the dish a spicy, smoky flavor. You can also add diced bell peppers for more texture and color.
4. Garlic Parmesan Alfredo:
   • Increase the amount of garlic to 4 cloves for a more robust garlic flavor. Add extra Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a richer, more indulgent taste.
5. Lemon Shrimp Alfredo:
   • Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the Alfredo sauce for a fresh, zesty flavor. Garnish with additional lemon slices and fresh parsley.
6. Bacon Shrimp Alfredo:
   • Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the dish for a smoky, savory twist. The bacon pairs well with both the shrimp and the creamy Alfredo sauce.
7. Spinach Artichoke Alfredo:
   • Add a cup of fresh spinach and a can of drained, chopped artichoke hearts to the Alfredo sauce. This variation gives the dish a classic spinach-artichoke dip flavor.
8. Four Cheese Alfredo:
   • Use a blend of four cheeses in the Alfredo sauce, such as mozzarella, provolone, Asiago, and Parmesan. This makes the sauce even creamier and more flavorful.
9. Pesto Alfredo:
   • Stir in 1/4 cup of pesto sauce into the Alfredo sauce for a basil and garlic flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade pesto.
10. Seafood Alfredo:
    • Add a mix of seafood, such as scallops, crab meat, and clams, along with the shrimp. This creates a rich and luxurious seafood Alfredo.
11. Low-Carb Alfredo:
    • Substitute the pasta with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash. This makes the dish lighter and suitable for low-carb or keto diets.
12. Spicy Alfredo:
    • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for a spicy kick. You can adjust the heat level to your preference.

These variations offer a wide range of flavors and ingredients to customize your Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Enjoy experimenting with these options to create your perfect Alfredo dish!

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp?
   • Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.
2. Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
   • You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone, heavy cream, or a combination of half-and-half and butter for a similar creamy texture.
3. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
   • Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew cream. Use dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan substitutes as well.
4. What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
   • Fusilli, fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti are all good choices. Any pasta that can hold the sauce well will work.
5. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
   • Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and asparagus are great additions. Sauté or steam them before adding to the Alfredo sauce.
6. How can I make the sauce thicker?
   • To thicken the sauce, you can add more cream cheese or Parmesan. Another option is to mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce while it simmers.
7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the Alfredo sauce and cook the pasta and shrimp ahead of time. Combine and reheat just before serving.
8. What can I use instead of all-purpose flour to make the sauce gluten-free?
   • You can use cornstarch, rice flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a thickener for the sauce.
9. Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp?
   • Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Add them at the end to warm them up without overcooking.
10. How can I reheat leftovers without the sauce separating?
    • Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir frequently to avoid separation.

These FAQs address common questions and provide helpful tips for making and enjoying your Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo.