Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Penne, a delightful fusion of succulent shrimp, tender broccoli, and creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. This dish not only embodies comfort food at its best but also brings a touch of Italian cuisine to your dinner table, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight meals and special occasions. With its pleasing texture and flavorful ingredients, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Ingredients

• Pasta:
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
• Shrimp:
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined — opt for wild-caught for superior taste.
• Vegetables:
  • 2 cups broccoli florets — fresh is best, but frozen can work in a pinch.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil — use extra virgin for added flavor and health benefits.
• For the Alfredo Sauce:
  • 1 cup heavy cream — for a rich and velvety sauce, avoid substitutes like milk.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese — freshly grated gives the best flavor, so avoid pre-grated if possible.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter — this adds richness; if you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce to 1 tablespoon.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic is ideal for maximum flavor, but garlic powder can be a substitute in a pinch.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste — freshly cracked black pepper enhances flavor more than pre-ground.
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish — adds color and freshness to the dish.

Steps / Instructions

1. Cook the Penne: In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, which typically takes about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and taste a piece to ensure it’s cooked just right, with a slight bite to it.
2. Add Broccoli: During the last 3-4 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This will blanch the broccoli, keeping it vibrant and tender while adding a nutritious crunch to your dish.
3. Drain and Set Aside: Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, drain them and set aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use, as this starchy water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency.
4. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan for even cooking. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
5. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and golden, taking care not to burn it. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
6. Combine Ingredients: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, creating a creamy base for your sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency, whisking it in until well blended.
7. Mix Everything Together: Add the cooked penne, broccoli, and sautéed shrimp to the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing everything to heat through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
8. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Penne, relishing each bite of this comforting dish.

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Penne, consider the following tips:

• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the Alfredo sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of heavy cream to loosen it up and return its creamy consistency.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp, which can make them tough.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid overcooking the shrimp, which can lead to a rubbery texture. Cook until just opaque, and remember they will continue to cook slightly in the residual heat once removed from the skillet.
• Pro Tip: If you want to add more flavor to your shrimp, marinate them briefly with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking to enhance their natural sweetness.

Variations

While this dish is delicious as is, you can customize it to suit your tastes: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring everyone can enjoy this creamy delight.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a hint of heat, which complements the creaminess beautifully and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a simple Fresh Orange & Feta Salad with Pistachios to complement the richness of the pasta with a refreshing contrast. A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio will also enhance the dining experience, balancing the creaminess of the dish with its acidity.

Print

Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Penne

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: Italian Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 4 +

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

30 min

🔥

Calories

—

Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Penne, a delightful fusion of succulent shrimp, tender broccoli, and creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. This dish not only embodies comfort food at its best but also brings a touch of Italian cuisine to your dinner table, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Cook Mode Keep the screen of your device on

Start cooking

Ingredients

US Metric

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

1.

In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, which typically takes about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2.

During the last 3-4 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot.

3.

Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, drain them and set aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.

4.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

5.

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

6.

Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7.

Add the cooked penne, broccoli, and sautéed shrimp to the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

8.

Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts