Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights. With fresh ingredients and a touch of spice, this dish is healthy, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes!
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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of tender shrimp, vibrant broccoli, and al dente pasta coated in a simple garlic and olive oil sauce. It’s light yet comforting, easy to prepare, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this recipe hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
🧾 Ingredients
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best for this recipe as they hold their texture and color. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Shrimp: Use large or medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work, but make sure to thaw frozen shrimp beforehand.
- Pasta: Choose a sturdy pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or penne. Whole wheat or gluten-free options also work well.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key to infusing the olive oil with flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): High-quality olive oil enhances the taste of the dish and ties all the ingredients together.
- Salt: Season the pasta water generously and adjust seasoning in the dish as needed.
- Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a mild heat and aroma.
- Chili Flakes: Optional but recommended for a spicy kick.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🍳 Substitutions
- Broccoli: Swap with other green vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or zucchini (like in this Shrimp and Zucchini Pasta).
- Shrimp: Replace with chicken breast, diced tofu, or extra vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Pasta: Use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, fettuccine, or even zoodles for a low-carb alternative. You can also use Farro to make this delicious Broccoli & Shrimp Farro Bowl.
- Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder if fresh isn’t available, though the flavor won’t be as robust.
- Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or unsalted butter for a different taste.
🥣 Variations
- Lemon Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta: Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for a bright, tangy twist.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a rich, velvety sauce.
- Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the pasta before serving.
- Herby: Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra layer of flavor.
- Seafood: Include scallops or mussels along with the shrimp for a seafood feast.
📋 Instructions with Photos
Step 1. Sautè the minced garlic in olive oil.
Step 2. Add the broccoli and cook until tender.
Step 3. Add the shrimps for the last 4 minutes of cooking.
Step 4. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta with a side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the dish’s flavors.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving shrimp for too long as it can become rubbery.
Freezing is not recommended as shrimp and broccoli can lose their texture when thawed.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Cook it directly from frozen in boiling water for a few minutes until tender.
Shrimp cook quickly—just 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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If you tried this recipe, please take a moment to rate it and share your thoughts in the comments. Your feedback means a lot to me! ★★★★★
📖 RECIPE
Shrimp & Broccoli Pasta
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Ingredients
- 6.5 oz Spaghetti
- 2 cups Broccoli florets
- 2-3 Garlic cloves
- 1 ½ cups Shrimps, thawed if using frozen, cleaned and deveined
- 2-3 tablespoon Olive Oil
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- a pinch Red Chili Pepper flakes
Instructions
- Mince the garlic cloves and sautè in a large skillet with a good drizzle of olive oil for a minute, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped broccoli florets and cook on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Add a splash of water if they start to brown, and cover partially with the lid to steam.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, then toss in the pasta.
- 4 minutes before the pasta is done, add the shrimps to the pan with the broccoli, and turn the heat to medium-high.
- Drain the pasta al dente, keeping a glass of pasta water to the side. Add the pasta to the pan with a splash of pasta water and toss to coat for a minute.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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Frank | Memorie di Angelina
This kind of simple pasta is a dinner staple in our home but I've never tried this flavor combination. Sounds delicious! I bet it'd be a big hit around here.
Jessica Montanelli
Thank you Frank, I hope you'll try it! 🙂