Creamy Shrimp & Broccoli Penne

Servings:

4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

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Ingredients

Pasta & Main

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta

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

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

Seasoning for Shrimp

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Cream Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

3. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli to the pasta water.

4. Drain pasta and broccoli together.

5. Reserve ½ cup pasta water (important for adjusting sauce later).

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Step 2: Season & Cook the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry.

2. Toss with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Add shrimp in a single layer.

5. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

6. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside (do not overcook).

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Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.

2. Add butter and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.

3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds (until fragrant).

4. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out raw taste.

5. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and milk.

6. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Stir in Parmesan cheese.

8. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.

9. Simmer until sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).

If too thick → add a splash of reserved pasta water.
If too thin → simmer a little longer.

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Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add drained pasta and broccoli into the sauce.

2. Toss gently to coat.

3. Add cooked shrimp back to the pan.

4. Stir carefully and cook 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

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Step 5: Serve

• Garnish with extra Parmesan.

• Sprinkle fresh parsley if desired.

• Serve immediately while creamy and hot.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Pasta

✔ Use freshly grated Parmesan (pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly).
✔ Don’t overcook shrimp — they turn rubbery quickly.
✔ Salt your pasta water generously (it flavors everything).
✔ For extra richness, add 2 oz cream cheese to the sauce.

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Optional Variations

Lighter Version

• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half.

• Use less cheese.

Garlic Lovers Version

• Add 1 extra clove garlic.

• Finish with a squeeze of lemon.

Cajun Version

• Replace Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning.

• Add sautéed bell peppers.