Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
Discover this easy and protein-rich Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta recipe designed specifically to provide a fast family dinner.
Whip up an elegant yet lightning-fast weeknight dinner featuring tender garlic shrimp and crisp broccoli florets tossed with whole wheat penne pasta in a light lemon-olive oil sauce. Delivering 38 grams of lean protein, it is a refreshing and nutritious meal for busy teens.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 1.5 lbs large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 🫗 12 oz whole wheat penne or spaghetti pasta
- 🫗 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 🫗 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 🫗 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 🫗 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 🫗 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
Cook whole wheat pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions, adding broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of boiling, then drain.
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season peeled shrimp with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then add them to the hot skillet.
Sauté shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic, remaining olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Toss the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shrimp back into the skillet with the garlic sauce, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and serve warm.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Overcooking shrimp: Watch shrimp closely; overcooking turns them tough and chewy.
- ✕
Not salting pasta water: Seasoning boiling water properly ensures flavor penetrates the pasta from the inside out.
🔄 Variations
Chicken breast swap: Substitute cubed chicken breast for the shrimp if preferred.
Zucchini noodle option: Toss with spiralized zucchini for a lighter vegetable pasta mix.
Dairy-free safety: Omit parmesan cheese to make the recipe dairy-free; naturally nut-free.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
Refrigerator leftovers: Store leftover shrimp and broccoli pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- 📦
Reheating habits: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water to keep shrimp tender.
💡 Chef Tips
Quick shrimp cooking trick: Shrimp cooks in under 6 minutes; remove them promptly to keep them tender and prevent rubbery texture.
Pasta water integration: Saving 1/4 cup of starchy pasta water to toss into the sauce helps it coat every noodle perfectly.
Seafood brain nutrition: Regular seafood consumption provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for teen academic and athletic focus.
❓ FAQ
Can I prep and batch make this shrimp pasta dinner ahead of time? A
While best served fresh, you can prep the shrimp and chop broccoli ahead for a 15-minute weeknight assembly.
Is this recipe completely nut-free? A
Yes, this seafood pasta recipe is 100% nut-free and safe for family allergy guidelines.
How much protein does each serving provide? A
Each serving provides approximately 38 grams of lean protein from shrimp and whole grains.
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →