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garlic shrimp & broccoli whole wheat pasta recipe - Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Whole Wheat Pasta served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Whole Wheat Pasta

garlic shrimp & broccoli whole wheat pasta recipe made easy at home. A vibrant, protein-packed pasta dish that comes together in 45 minutes, bursting with gar
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
Shrimp & Broccoli
  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets cut into bite-size pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 1 lemon zest and juice (about 2 tbsp juice)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt for seasoning shrimp
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the spaghetti. Cook according to package directions until al dente (about 9 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, bring a separate medium pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the blanched broccoli. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender and slightly charred at the edges. Transfer to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Return the broccoli mixture to the skillet along with the cooked pasta.
  5. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together over low heat until the sauce coats the pasta evenly. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if it seems dry. Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  6. Divide among four bowls, top with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and a lemon wedge. Drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.