Creamy Spicy Shrimp with Broccoli

This dish features juicy shrimp and tender broccoli coated in a silky, slightly spicy cream sauce. It’s rich, aromatic, and perfect for serving with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

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Ingredients

Main

• 400 g (14 oz) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1½ cups broccoli florets

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Shrimp Seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon dried parsley or Italian herbs

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked if available)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup chicken broth or milk

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste or chili paste

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

2. Blanch broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until bright green.

3. Drain and immediately transfer to cold water to stop cooking.

4. Set aside.

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Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp

1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and herbs.

2. Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium-high heat.

3. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden.

4. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same pan, add butter.

2. Sauté minced garlic and chili flakes for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Stir in paprika and tomato paste.

4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth.

5. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.

6. Add Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

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Step 4: Combine

1. Add broccoli to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.

2. Return shrimp to the pan.

3. Simmer together for 2 minutes, spooning sauce over shrimp.

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Step 5: Serve

• Garnish with dried or fresh parsley.

• Serve hot with:

  • Steamed rice

  • Pasta

  • Mashed potatoes

  • Toasted bread

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Tips

• For extra spice, add a splash of chili oil.

• For deeper flavor, replace broth with seafood stock.

• Sauce too thick? Add a little milk or broth to loosen.