Creamy Broccoli Pasta

A quick and creamy broccoli pasta you can make with simple ingredients and little time.

introduction

This creamy broccoli pasta is rich, smooth, and easy to cook. It uses pasta, broccoli, garlic, cream, and Parmesan. If you want a similar dish with meat, try creamy chicken pasta with broccoli for another idea.

why make this recipe

• It is fast and fits weeknight meals.
• It uses few, common ingredients.
• It is creamy and comforting.
• Broccoli adds color and a little crunch.

how to make Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Follow simple steps: cook the pasta with broccoli, make a garlic cream sauce in the same pot, add Parmesan, then mix the pasta and broccoli into the sauce. Finish with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like heat.

Ingredients :

8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli), 2 cups broccoli florets, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, Salt and pepper to taste, Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions :

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Add broccoli florets during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing to combine.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve warm.

how to serve Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Serve warm from the pot or plate it for each person. Add extra Parmesan on top. A light salad or crusty bread pairs well.

how to store Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

tips to make Creamy Broccoli Pasta

• Do not overcook the broccoli; leave some bite.
• Save some pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
• Grate fresh Parmesan for best melt and taste.
• Use low heat when melting cheese to avoid grainy texture.
• Taste and add salt at the end because Parmesan is salty.

variation (if any)

• Add cooked chicken or shrimp for more protein.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce (sauce will be thinner).
• Stir in lemon zest for brightness.
• Add spinach or peas for more veggies.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Add frozen broccoli a minute or two longer when boiling so it cooks through.

Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: You can use Pecorino or a mix, but keep the cheese salty and finely grated so it melts well.

Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Use a dairy-free cream and a vegan Parmesan. The sauce may be a bit different but still tasty.

Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge and reheat with a splash of liquid. It will keep 3 to 4 days.

Creamy Broccoli Pasta

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and creamy pasta dish with broccoli, garlic, and Parmesan cheese that can be made in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Add broccoli florets during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil over medium heat in the same pot. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce, tossing to combine.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve warm.

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Notes

Do not overcook the broccoli; leave some bite. Save some pasta water if the sauce needs thinning. Grate fresh Parmesan for best melt and taste.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 75mg