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Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 27 reviews

This Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta is a quick and delicious weeknight meal that combines tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and al dente pasta in a luscious cream cheese sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting yet elegant dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Shrimp and Pasta

  • 1 pound uncooked (31-40/pound size) shrimp (thawed & peeled, tails optional)
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta

Vegetables and Sauce

  • 2 generous cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened and cut into cubes)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Fats and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt & pepper (to taste)

Optional Garnish

  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them under cool running water using a colander. Peel and devein if not already done, leaving tails on or off as preferred.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water for later if needed.
  3. Cook the shrimp: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
  4. Steam the broccoli: In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and stir. Reduce heat to medium, cover the pan with a lid, and let broccoli steam for 3 minutes. Check doneness and cook 1-2 minutes longer if needed for desired tenderness and some browning for extra flavor. Remove broccoli and set aside with shrimp.
  5. Make the cream sauce: Off heat, add chicken broth, cream cheese cubes, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Return to medium heat and whisk continuously until cream cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
  6. Combine ingredients: Add the cooked shrimp and broccoli back into the skillet. Stir to coat in the sauce and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Toss pasta and serve: Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss with the creamy shrimp and broccoli sauce. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free alternative, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese and omit butter or use a vegan butter.
  • Adjust broccoli steaming time based on your texture preference—longer steaming yields softer broccoli.
  • Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce thickness as needed.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Use peeled and deveined shrimp for best texture and ease of eating.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/creamy-shrimp-and-broccoli-pasta-recipe/