This shrimp pasta with broccolini is a tasty, quick meal that’s sure to impress! Juicy shrimp and bright green broccolini come together in a nice garlic sauce, making dinner fun!
I love how easy this dish is to whip up on a busy night. Just toss everything together, and voilà—dinner is ready! It’s a meal that even my picky eaters enjoy! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine and pappardelle are great choices for this dish since they hold onto the sauce well. If you’re looking for something lighter, you can replace them with whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed!
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works perfectly fine too! Just make sure to thaw them properly. If you’re not a shrimp fan, diced chicken breast or even tofu can be substituted for a different protein option.
Broccolini: This veggie adds a lovely crunch and slight bitterness. If you can’t find broccolini, you might try asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. These options will change the flavor slightly but will still taste great!
Heavy Cream: A rich and creamy texture comes from heavy cream, but if you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. Just keep in mind that a lighter cream may result in a slightly thinner sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor! If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano is a close match. For a dairy-free option, you can try nutritional yeast to add that cheesy flavor.
How Do You Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic perfectly is crucial, as burnt garlic can ruin the dish’s taste. Keep an eye on the heat and always have other ingredients ready. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking.
- Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute. Look for a light golden color.
- If you find the garlic browning too fast, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning.
Remember, you can always add more garlic later, but it’s hard to fix a burnt garlic flavor!
How to Make Shrimp Pasta with Broccolini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine or pappardelle)
- 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed and cut into smaller pieces
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Shrimp Pasta with Broccolini takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick meal perfect for a weeknight dinner, and you’ll be enjoying it in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta and Broccolini:
Start by cooking your pasta as per the package instructions until it’s al dente. When there are just 2 minutes left in the cooking time, add the broccolini pieces to the pot. Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccolini, and set them aside for later.
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn; you want it just to become aromatic!
3. Cooking the Shrimp:
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for about 1 minute. Then pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Adding the Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce until it’s melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. It should be creamy and flavorful!
6. Combining Everything:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked pasta and broccolini back into the skillet, along with the cooked shrimp. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta and veggies are well-coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Serving:
Serve your delicious Shrimp Pasta with Broccolini immediately. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley on top if you like. Enjoy every bite!”
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or by submerging them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the skillet to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, although it may not yield the same creamy texture. If you prefer a non-dairy alternative, coconut cream or cashew cream can work well, but keep in mind it will alter the flavor slightly.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove over low heat to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help revive the sauce’s consistency!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can definitely mix it up! Spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers make great additions. Just make sure to add hard veggies like asparagus earlier in the cooking process, so they have time to soften before mixing everything together.
