Description
A rich and creamy shrimp and broccoli pasta dish combining tender shrimp, vibrant broccoli florets, and a luscious cream cheese sauce, perfect for a comforting and quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40 per pound, thawed and peeled)
- 2 generous cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: If your shrimp are frozen, place them in a colander and run under cool water until thawed completely. Peel if not already done.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and place on a plate.
- Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and stir well. Reduce heat to medium and cover the pan with a lid. Let broccoli steam for 3 minutes, then check for doneness. If needed, cover again for 1-2 more minutes to achieve desired tenderness and allow slight browning for flavor.
- Remove Broccoli: Remove broccoli from the skillet and add it to the plate with the shrimp.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Return the skillet to heat, add chicken broth, cream cheese cubes, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir or whisk continuously until the cream cheese melts into a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add shrimp and broccoli back into the creamy sauce in the skillet. Warm through, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best results.
- Adjust broccoli cooking time to your preferred level of tenderness.
- Adding pasta water to the sauce helps achieve desired consistency.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice salty finish.
- This recipe serves 4 comfortably but can be scaled as needed.
