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.
Ingredients
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12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
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1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 cups broccoli florets
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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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.
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Fold in the broccoli and cooked shrimp, tossing gently to combine.
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Squeeze lemon juice over the pasta, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Toss to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
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Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
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Blanching broccoli preserves its color and texture.
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Reserve pasta water to help create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
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Optional: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
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Can be doubled for larger servings or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes