Introduction
Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Penne Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dinner made with tender shrimp, fresh broccoli, perfectly cooked penne, and a rich garlic Parmesan cheese sauce.
The shrimp are quickly sautéed until golden and tender, while the broccoli adds freshness and texture. Everything is then tossed in a creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, mozzarella, butter, and heavy cream.
This easy seafood pasta recipe comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, a family meal, or a cozy weekend dish.
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Recipe | Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Penne Pasta |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | About 35 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Italian-inspired |
| Main Protein | Shrimp |
| Pasta | Penne |
| Best For | Weeknight dinners and family meals |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta combines juicy shrimp, tender broccoli, creamy garlic sauce, and two delicious cheeses in one comforting meal.
The Parmesan gives the sauce a rich savory flavor, while mozzarella adds a smooth and wonderfully cheesy texture.
The broccoli cooks together with the pasta, which makes preparation easier and reduces the number of dishes needed.
The recipe is also highly customizable. You can make the sauce richer with extra cream or lighten it slightly by using reserved pasta water instead.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Broccoli
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Penne pasta | 350 g (12 oz) |
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups |
| Salt | For the pasta water |
For the Shrimp
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Large shrimp, peeled and deveined | 400 g (14 oz) |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika or Espelette pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
For the Creamy Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic, finely minced | 4 cloves |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup (250 ml) |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Shredded mozzarella | 1/2 cup |
| Vegetable broth | 1/2 cup (120 ml) |
| Reserved pasta water | Up to 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley | For serving |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Best Shrimp to Use
Large shrimp work particularly well because they remain juicy and provide a satisfying texture in the finished pasta.
Fresh or frozen shrimp can both be used. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.
Removing excess moisture is important because very wet shrimp can release water into the skillet instead of developing a beautiful golden color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely.
Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary, then pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.
Cut the broccoli into small, bite-size florets.
Finely mince the garlic and chop the fresh parsley.
Grate the Parmesan and shred the mozzarella if needed.
Having everything ready before cooking makes the recipe much easier to assemble.
2. Cook the Penne and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the penne and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
During the final 3–4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot.
The broccoli should become tender while retaining some of its natural texture.
Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
Drain the penne and broccoli together and set aside.
3. Season the Shrimp
Place the cleaned shrimp in a bowl.
Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and paprika or Espelette pepper if using.
Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly.
4. Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Once the skillet is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, depending on their size.
The shrimp should become opaque, pink, and lightly golden on the outside.
Avoid overcooking them, as shrimp can become rubbery when cooked for too long.
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
5. Prepare the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium.
Using the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil.
Add the minced garlic.
Cook for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring frequently.
The garlic should become fragrant but should not turn dark brown or burn.
6. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet.
Add the vegetable broth or some of the reserved pasta water.
Stir well to combine the ingredients.
Allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 2–3 minutes.
Avoid boiling the cream aggressively, as a gentle simmer will produce a smoother sauce.
7. Add the Cheese
Gradually add the grated Parmesan while stirring continuously.
Add the shredded mozzarella and continue stirring until both cheeses melt into the sauce.
The sauce should become smooth, creamy, and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
If it becomes too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water.
8. Combine Everything
Add the cooked penne and broccoli to the skillet.
Return the cooked shrimp to the creamy sauce.
Gently toss everything together over low heat for 1–2 minutes.
Make sure the pasta, broccoli, and shrimp are evenly coated with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
9. Adjust the Consistency
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Add the liquid gradually while tossing the pasta until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
The finished sauce should cling to the penne without becoming overly heavy.
10. Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper.
Add extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and creamy.
Best Tips
Pat the shrimp dry before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps them brown instead of steaming.
Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the shrimp. If necessary, cook them in batches.
Avoid overcooking the shrimp. As soon as they become opaque and pink, they are usually ready.
Cook the broccoli until tender but still slightly firm. This keeps some texture in the finished pasta.
Keep some pasta water before draining. It is one of the easiest ways to adjust the consistency of a creamy pasta sauce.
Add the cheese over moderate or low heat and stir continuously for a smooth sauce.
Serve the pasta immediately for the best creamy texture.
Best Ingredient Options
Large shrimp are ideal, but medium shrimp can also be used. Adjust the cooking time according to their size.
Fresh broccoli provides the best texture, but frozen broccoli can also be used when fresh vegetables are unavailable.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts particularly well and provides a richer flavor.
Whole heavy cream creates the richest sauce, while lighter cream can be used if preferred.
Mozzarella gives the sauce extra stretch and creaminess, but you can reduce the amount if you prefer a stronger Parmesan flavor.
Recipe Variations
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
For an even more pronounced garlic flavor, add an extra clove of freshly minced garlic to the sauce.
Spicy Shrimp Pasta
Add red pepper flakes or a little extra Espelette pepper for a gentle spicy kick.
Shrimp and Spinach Penne
Replace part of the broccoli with fresh baby spinach. Add the spinach to the sauce near the end of cooking and stir until wilted.
Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta
Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet after cooking the shrimp. Continue with the garlic cream sauce once the mushrooms are golden.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Add a small amount of fresh lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice just before serving. The acidity adds freshness to the rich cream sauce.
Extra Cheesy Shrimp Pasta
Increase the mozzarella slightly for a richer, cheesier pasta dish. Add a little extra Parmesan on top before serving.
What to Serve With
A simple green salad is a great side dish because its freshness balances the rich creamy pasta.
Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or green beans can also complement the shrimp and broccoli.
Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the remaining garlic Parmesan sauce.
For a lighter side, serve the pasta with sliced tomatoes dressed with a little olive oil and lemon juice.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the shrimp, broccoli, garlic, and cheese in advance.
The shrimp can be cleaned and seasoned several hours before cooking and kept refrigerated.
For the best texture, it is recommended to prepare the creamy sauce and pasta shortly before serving.
Cream sauces can thicken as they cool, so freshly prepared pasta will have the smoothest consistency.
Storage
Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.
For the best quality, consume the leftovers within 2–3 days.
Because this recipe contains shrimp and dairy, avoid leaving it at room temperature for an extended period.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over low to medium-low heat.
Add a splash of milk, cream, broth, or water to loosen the sauce.
Stir gently until heated through.
Avoid very high heat, as it can cause the cream sauce to become overly thick and may make the shrimp tough.
Freezing
Freezing creamy pasta with shrimp is possible, but the texture of the sauce may change after thawing.
If you choose to freeze it, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe airtight container.
For the best quality, use within approximately 1–2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a small splash of cream or milk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not cook the shrimp for too long. Overcooked shrimp can become firm and rubbery.
Do not add wet shrimp directly to a very crowded skillet. Pat them dry first so they can develop better color.
Do not burn the garlic. Burnt garlic can make the entire sauce taste bitter.
Do not boil the cream sauce aggressively. A gentle simmer helps maintain a smooth consistency.
Do not add all the cheese over high heat. Lower heat helps the Parmesan and mozzarella incorporate more smoothly.
Do not forget to reserve pasta water before draining. It can make a big difference when adjusting the sauce.
Do not let the finished pasta sit uncovered for too long, because the sauce will continue to thicken.
Nutrition Estimate
Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 700–800 kcal |
| Protein | 35–40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 65–75 g |
| Fat | 35–40 g |
| Fiber | 4–6 g |
| Calcium | High |
| Sodium | Varies according to cheese and broth |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Frozen shrimp work very well in this recipe. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Frozen broccoli can be used when fresh broccoli is unavailable. Since it is usually partially cooked before freezing, adjust the cooking time to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, although the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For a thicker sauce, a combination of milk and a small amount of cream can work well.
Can I use only Parmesan and skip the mozzarella?
Absolutely. Parmesan alone will create a flavorful cheese sauce. The mozzarella is mainly included for additional creaminess and a slightly stretchy texture.
Why is my sauce too thick?
The Parmesan, mozzarella, and pasta can all cause the sauce to thicken. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time while stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I add lemon?
Yes. A small amount of fresh lemon juice or lemon zest can brighten the creamy sauce and complement the shrimp beautifully.
How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are generally ready when they become opaque and pink with a firm, slightly springy texture. Avoid cooking them significantly longer than necessary.
Final Thoughts
These Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Penne Pasta are an easy and comforting dinner that brings together tender shrimp, fresh broccoli, creamy garlic sauce, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
The combination of seafood, vegetables, pasta, and a rich homemade sauce makes this a satisfying meal for the entire family.
For the best results, cook the shrimp quickly, keep the garlic from burning, use freshly grated Parmesan when possible, and reserve some pasta water to create the perfect sauce consistency.
Finish the dish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper, then serve immediately for the ultimate creamy shrimp pasta dinner.