Shrimp Broccoli Cavatappi is a pasta and vegetable dish coated with light Alfredo sauce and topped with grilled seasoned shrimp. It is then topped off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. This is an Applebee's Copycat recipe for those of you who love this lighter menu option and would like to try to make it at home!
Grumpy and I don't eat out often, but when we do, one restaurant we like to go to is Applebees. This didn't used to be the case because a one point he thought he hated the place! I like to go because they do offer some flavorful meals that are 500 calories or less. One night I convinced him to meet me there after work and he decided he didn't dislike it so much after all.
Grumpy decided to try the Shrimp Broccoli Cavatappi - which also happens to be on the lighter menu. It turned out that he enjoyed the meal enough that when I mentioned eating out again he actually suggested going to Applebees!
I decided to try my hand at the Applebee's Shrimp Broccoli Cavatappi. A search on the internet brought up nothing except photos of Applebee's dish with the description. That was when I decided I didn't really need someone else's take on the recipe, I could just recreate it on my own.
While I like to be able to make my version of favorite restaurant recipes at home I do not really like giving my night out up too often. Lets face it, we all need to get out at times and let someone else do the cooking for us.
Some of us aren't fortunate enough to have a partner or spouse who will or can cook! I decided that even though I will still probably go to Applebee's for this meal that it wouldn't hurt to have a recipe around for those times when we are craving a certain meal and need to save our pennies.
More recipes that are better than take-out
Shrimp Broccoli Cavatappi
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 cups dried cavatappi pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1-⅓ cups low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1-¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons ⅓ less fat cream cheese
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook shrimp on hot grill 2-3 minutes on each side until pink. Alternatively, saute shrimp in saucepan over medium heat in a non-stick frying pan coated with cooking spray. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Remove pasta from water by scooping out with a slotted spoon into colander. Return pasta water to stove and blanch broccoli (about 5 minutes). Strain and rinse with cold water to stop broccoli from cooking.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Stir in flour and gradually add milk, stirring all the while with a whisk. Cook 6 minutes or until mixture thickens, stirring constantly.
- Add 1 cup Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and salt, stirring with a whisk until cheeses melt.
- Toss sauce with hot pasta and broccoli.
- Top with shrimp and sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
- Garnish with black pepper, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Liz
Boy, does your pasta look irresistible! Those shrimp are grilled to perfection!!!
Chris Baccus
The last photo looks amazing (the others look good too.) Will have to try it soon.
DB, Foodie Stuntman | Crazy Foodie Stunts
I don't patronize Applebee's very often but now I don't have to with this pasta dish! It looks delicious!
Sarah E.
I like the challenge that restaurants give with only giving pictures and descriptions - it's so much fun to come up with the recipes and try and get them close to the real thing 🙂 This looks amazing, Shelby! My kids love shrimp and would probably devour this in no time!
Valerie Cathell Clark
This looks like perfect #comfortfood to me! I may have to make this dish for my parents this week!
Teri@The Freshman Cook
This looks really good and tasty! I have not had this at Applebee's, but now I want to try yours! Great recipe!
Nora
This looks so delicious Shelby!
Constance Smith
Looks delicious!!
Marion@LifeTastesGood
This looks sooo good, Shelby! I love everything in it, and I'm sure making it at home with the freshest of ingredients is so much better than going out. Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie @CopyKat.com
I love this recipe. It is simple, I have everything on hand, I would love to try this recipe this weekend!
Michelle W
This is one of my favorite dishes at Applebee's. I can't wait to try your recipe!! And your shrimp look divine!!
mreeanne
We just made this tonight and it was great! One thing though, how much flour do you put in it?
Shelby
Sorry about that! I updated the recipe, I would use about 2 tablespoons of flour, enough to thicken the sauce. Glad you enjoyed it!