Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Pasta Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, flavorful pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner for busy families, couples, or anyone craving a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle. Picture a cozy evening at home: the aroma of garlic and butter filling your kitchen while tender shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli swim in a luscious, buttery sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. This dish strikes the ideal balance between indulgent and wholesome, making it a go-to for those who want a satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Inspired by classic Italian seafood dishes and the simplicity of home-cooked meals, this recipe brings elegance to your table without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne works best)

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Using plenty of water ensures the pasta has room to cook evenly without sticking together. Salt the water generously; it should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself, so don’t skimp. Add your choice of pasta—spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work wonderfully for this recipe. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy when tossed with the sauce later. Once done, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Set aside, but don’t rinse—the starch on the pasta helps the sauce cling beautifully.

2. Prepare the Broccoli

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. Cut the broccoli into small, uniform florets so they cook evenly. Steam or blanch the florets for 2–3 minutes until they turn a bright, vibrant green but still have a slight crunch. Blanching briefly in boiling water preserves nutrients, color, and texture. Immediately transfer the broccoli into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process—this step, called shocking, ensures the florets retain their crisp-tender texture instead of becoming mushy. Once cooled, drain well and set aside. Keeping the broccoli slightly firm is important because it will be added to the skillet with the shrimp and pasta, and you don’t want it to overcook at that stage.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the skillet warms, season the shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you like a hint of spice, you can also sprinkle a small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding causes the shrimp to steam instead of sear, which prevents them from developing that beautiful golden exterior. Cook for 2–3 minutes on the first side until pink, then flip and cook an additional 2–3 minutes until opaque and slightly firm. Avoid overcooking; shrimp continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the heat. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside while you prepare the sauce. This way, the shrimp remain tender and juicy.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Using the same pan allows you to capture the flavors left by the shrimp, adding depth to your sauce. Add the minced garlic and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown. Browning garlic too much creates a bitter taste, so keep it light and aromatic. At this point, the butter should be melted into a rich, golden liquid that’s ready to coat the pasta. The combination of butter and garlic is classic, simple, and deeply flavorful—it forms the base of the sauce that will tie all your ingredients together.

5. Combine Pasta and Vegetables

Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the pasta thoroughly to ensure each strand is coated evenly. Slowly add the reserved pasta water in small increments, 2 tablespoons at a time, to loosen the sauce and create a silky, glossy texture. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and prevents it from becoming dry. Once the pasta is coated, gently fold in the blanched broccoli florets, distributing them evenly throughout the dish. Adding the broccoli at this stage allows it to warm through without losing its bright color or crunch. Then, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently so they are evenly distributed and coated in the buttery, garlicky sauce.

6. Add Finishing Touches

To elevate the flavors, squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon over the pasta. Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Toss gently to combine, ensuring that each bite delivers a perfect balance of garlic, butter, shrimp, broccoli, and pasta. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a touch more lemon juice if needed. This step is essential; it allows you to tailor the flavors perfectly before serving.

7. Serve

Transfer the pasta to warm serving bowls, making sure to distribute the shrimp and broccoli evenly. For an elevated presentation, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a few sprigs of fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot, as this dish is best enjoyed fresh. If desired, pair with a simple side salad or a piece of garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal. Each bite delivers the richness of the garlic butter, the subtle sweetness of the shrimp, and the freshness of the broccoli—all harmonizing perfectly with the pasta.

8. Tips for Perfect Results

• Don’t Rush the Shrimp: Keep a close eye—they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.

• Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is essential for creating a silky sauce that coats every bite.

• Blanch Broccoli: Helps preserve vibrant color and texture.

• Adjust Garlic & Heat: Feel free to add more or less garlic and red pepper flakes according to taste.

• Optional Creaminess: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream when combining pasta and sauce for a richer, more indulgent texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish takes just 25–30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Healthy and Balanced: With protein-packed shrimp and nutrient-rich broccoli, this pasta is both satisfying and nourishing.
Flavor-Packed: Garlic, butter, and a hint of lemon create a rich, aromatic sauce that makes every bite memorable.
Family-Friendly: Mild enough for kids but flavorful enough for adults, it’s a versatile recipe that pleases everyone.

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Pasta

1. Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep a close eye on them.

2. Blanch Broccoli: Blanching broccoli preserves its bright color and crisp-tender texture. It also prevents it from turning mushy when tossed with hot pasta.

3. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps create a silky sauce and prevents the pasta from drying out.

4. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omit them entirely depending on your preference.

5. Make It Creamy: For a richer variation, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream when combining the pasta and garlic butter sauce.

Variations You Can Try

• Lemon Herb Shrimp Pasta: Add fresh basil and thyme for a fragrant twist.

• Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle extra Parmesan and Pecorino Romano for a cheesy indulgence.

• Vegetable Medley: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Pasta with sides that complement its buttery garlic flavor:

• Simple Green Salad: Light and refreshing, balances the richness of the pasta.

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce.

• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, asparagus, or zucchini adds more depth to your meal.

• Chilled White Wine (Optional for Non-Pork/Alcohol-Free Occasions): A sparkling water with a lemon twist can replace wine for a sophisticated, alcohol-free pairing.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain sauce consistency.

• Freezing: This dish freezes best without the broccoli. Freeze the pasta and shrimp in the garlic butter sauce separately, then thaw and reheat with fresh broccoli when ready to serve.

Health Benefits

This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients:

• Shrimp: Low in calories, high in protein, and rich in selenium and vitamin B12.

• Broccoli: Full of fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.

• Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Olive Oil and Butter: Provide healthy fats that support heart health when used in moderation.

Why Garlic Butter Pasta is a Timeless Favorite

Garlic butter sauces have long been a staple in Italian cuisine due to their simplicity and deep flavor. Pairing shrimp with broccoli adds a fresh and healthy twist, making this dish both traditional and modern. Its universal appeal comes from the perfect balance of textures—the tenderness of pasta, the slight crunch of broccoli, and the succulent shrimp all coated in buttery, garlicky goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or an intimate date night at home, this dish never fails to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet, which can dilute the sauce.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute shrimp with tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Skip the red pepper flakes for a mild version and your little ones will love it.

Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the pasta and sauce separately, but for best results, cook shrimp fresh before serving.

Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A warm, flavorful pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli are tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce over perfectly cooked pasta, creating a simple yet elegant meal that everyone will love. Inspired by classic Italian seafood dishes, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen without the fuss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

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Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

• Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Transfer to ice water to stop cooking, then drain.

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from skillet.

• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the garlic butter sauce. Slowly add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until a silky sauce forms.

• Fold in the broccoli and cooked shrimp, tossing gently to combine.

• Squeeze lemon juice over the pasta, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Toss to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.

• Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

• Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.

• Blanching broccoli preserves its color and texture.

• Reserve pasta water to help create a smooth, cohesive sauce.

• Optional: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.

• Can be doubled for larger servings or gatherings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Michelle Davis