1-First Step: Get everything ready Before you turn on the stove, gather all ingredients and prep them. Cut the broccoli into small florets, mince the garlic, peel and devein the shrimp if needed, and measure the milk, flour, parmesan, butter, and cream cheese. This small step makes the rest of the cooking process feel calm and easy. Set a large pot of salted water on the stove and bring it to a boil. Since this shrimp alfredo pasta with broccoli recipe moves quickly, having everything measured first helps prevent overcooked pasta or shrimp.

2-Second Step: Cook the pasta and broccoli Add the 8 ounces of fusilli pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, following the package directions as a guide. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets right into the pot. This saves time and keeps the broccoli bright green and just tender. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water is very useful later because it helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set them aside while you cook the shrimp.

3-Third Step: Cook the shrimp Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Season the shrimp with the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until opaque and pink. Jumbo shrimp cook fast, so watch closely. If you cook them too long, they can turn rubbery. As soon as they are done, remove them from the pan and toss them with the cooked pasta and broccoli. Set this mixture aside while you build the sauce in the same pan.

4-Fourth Step: Make the alfredo sauce In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the tablespoon of flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly so the flour does not taste raw. Slowly whisk in the milk, then add the cream cheese. Keep whisking until the cream cheese melts into the sauce. Let it simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens. The sauce should look smooth and slightly glossy. If it seems too thick, use a splash of the reserved pasta water. Add just a little at a time. You want a sauce that coats the pasta, not one that puddles at the bottom of the pan.

5-Fifth Step: Combine everything Once the sauce is ready, place the pasta, broccoli, and shrimp on top of the sauce in the pan. Stir gently until everything is coated. If needed, add more of the reserved pasta water until the texture feels right. Remove the pan from the heat and fold in the 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Stir just long enough for the cheese to melt into the sauce. Add extra parmesan on top for serving if you want a little more salty finish.

6-Final Step: Serve right away This dish tastes best served immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy. Spoon the pasta into bowls, top with a little more parmesan, and serve while the broccoli still has some bite. The whole meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a great choice for any night of the week. If you want a simple side, garlic bread or a fresh salad works beautifully. For another easy dessert idea after dinner, try a recipe like homemade apple crisp from the blog.