Description
Shrimp and broccoli pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp, vibrant broccoli, and creamy garlic sauce over a bed of spaghetti or linguine. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it both a convenient and satisfying option for families or casual gatherings. The succulent shrimp bring a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the crunchy broccoli, while the creamy sauce envelops every bite in rich flavor. Whether you’re serving it with crispy garlic bread or a refreshing side salad, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing)
Instructions
- 1. Cook pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes).
- 2. Blanch broccoli: In the last two minutes of cooking pasta, add broccoli florets to the boiling water.
- 3. Sauté shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté minced garlic for one minute, then add shrimp in a single layer. Cook until shrimp turns pink (about three minutes per side).
- 4. Make sauce: Reduce heat slightly; add heavy cream and lemon juice to the skillet with shrimp. Stir and simmer for about two minutes until slightly thickened.
- 5. Combine: Drain pasta and broccoli; toss them with the sauce in the skillet until well-coated.
- 6. Serve: Transfer to plates or serve family-style. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 275g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs such as parsley or basil as garnish. Substitute half-and-half for lighter creaminess. Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrition.