Nutritious Shrimp and Broccoli Alfredo Sauce

This creamy and flavorful dish combines tender shrimp and fresh broccoli in a rich Alfredo sauce for a satisfying meal. It’s a quick and healthy way to enjoy classic comfort food with a nutritious twist.

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TIME40 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

Nutritious Shrimp and Broccoli Alfredo Sauce

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 slice bacon, diced 3 cups broccoli florets, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ¼ lemon, juiced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup 2% milk 4 tablespoons low-fat whipped cream cheese 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided ½ cup shredded Italian cheese blend 1 (7 ounce) container plain 2% Greek yogurt ¾ pound raw medium shrimp - peeled, tails off, and deveined 1 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning salt and ground black pepper to taste 6 sprigs fresh parsley

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by cooking the bacon in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Give it a stir now and then, and cook until it’s mostly done but not quite crispy, about 6 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium, toss in the broccoli, and sauté everything together until the broccoli turns bright green and is just tender, which should take around 3 to 5 minutes. Once done, transfer the broccoli and bacon to a bowl lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. After that, discard the paper towels and give the mixture a quick toss with some lemon juice.

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Step 2

Next, heat the olive oil and butter in a deep saucepan over medium heat until they start bubbling. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and keep whisking until it turns a nice golden brown, about 3 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to keep things smooth. Turn the heat to low, add the cream cheese, and whisk until the sauce is lump-free. Stir in the chicken broth, crank the heat back up to medium, and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens.

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Step 3

Now, stir in 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese along with the Italian cheese blend until everything melts together. Mix in the Greek yogurt, then add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp until they’re pink on the outside and opaque all the way through, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

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Step 4

Finally, take the sauce off the heat and fold in the broccoli and bacon mixture. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a nice touch.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Make sure to cook the shrimp just until pink to keep them tender and juicy.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli briefly to maintain its bright color and crunch.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother, more flavorful sauce.

Why you’ll love it

This dish combines lean protein from shrimp with the health benefits of broccoli, making it a balanced and satisfying meal. The creamy Alfredo sauce adds rich flavor without overpowering the fresh ingredients. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort food while still keeping things nutritious.

Serving ideas

Serve this meal over whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for added fiber. A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs well and adds freshness. Garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes for a little extra color and kick.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Avoid freezing, as the sauce may separate and affect texture.