1-First Step: Cook the pasta Start by boiling 8 ounces of medium pasta shells in salted water until tender, then drain them well. Shells are a great choice for alfredo pasta because they catch the sauce in every curve. If you are cooking for picky eaters, smaller pasta shapes can make this shrimp and broccoli alfredo feel more kid-friendly too.

2-Second Step: Sauté the shrimp Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil into a large skillet and warm it over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of shrimp and sauté for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring as needed, until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Transfer them to a dish and cover to keep them warm. If you are using already cooked shrimp, just heat them briefly in the oil so they do not overcook.

3-Third Step: Cook the broccoli Add 3 cups broccoli florets and 1/4 cup water to the same pan. Cover the skillet and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, until the broccoli is fork-tender. Drain any extra water and set the broccoli aside with the shrimp. This quick steam method keeps the broccoli bright and gives the final dish a nice texture. If you want a faster shortcut, you can blanch the broccoli in the microwave before adding it to the pan.

4-Fourth Step: Build the alfredo sauce Add 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet and let it melt over medium heat. Stir in 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour over the butter and garlic, then stir until the mixture is smooth. This creates the base that helps the sauce thicken without getting lumpy. Next, slowly whisk in 3 cups whole milk. If you want a richer sauce, use half and half, or swap in 1 cup heavy cream for a thicker, more decadent result. Keep whisking until the sauce looks smooth and starts to thicken. This part moves fast, so stay close to the stove and keep stirring.

5-Fifth Step: Season and melt in the cheese Stir in 2/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese, 1 to 2 teaspoons salt to taste, and 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper or 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Let the cheese melt completely into the sauce. You want the sauce creamy, glossy, and smooth, with enough seasoning to make the shrimp broccoli alfredo taste rich and full of flavor. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small splash of milk. If it seems too thin, let it simmer for another minute or two while stirring.

6-Final Step: Bring everything together and serve Add the cooked pasta shells, shrimp, and broccoli back into the skillet. Toss everything gently so the sauce coats the pasta, shrimp, and vegetables evenly. Finish with additional grated parmesan cheese on top and serve right away. That final sprinkle gives the dish a salty finish and makes it feel extra inviting at the table.