Introduction
Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a quick and delicious dish combining tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a comforting treat, this recipe delivers hearty flavors and velvety textures in every bite.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Variation
- Add Protein: For a more filling meal, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu. These proteins pair beautifully with the creamy sauce and add extra texture.
- Switch Up the Veggies: Substitute or mix the broccoli with other vegetables like peas, spinach, or asparagus. Each vegetable will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
- Use Different Pasta: While penne and fusilli are great options, experiment with other shapes like farfalle, rigatoni, or even spaghetti for a fun twist.
Cooking Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed version.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread on the Side: Pair this pasta with a warm, buttery slice of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal. The crispy bread complements the creamy texture of the pasta.
- Side Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. The crisp, acidic flavors of the salad work well with the creamy sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay enhances the flavors of the garlic and broccoli while cutting through the creaminess of the sauce.
Tips
- Preheat Your Pan: Always heat your skillet before adding olive oil and garlic. This ensures even cooking and prevents the garlic from burning.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your preference during cooking. Tasting throughout ensures the dish is perfectly seasoned.
- Chop Broccoli Uniformly: Cut broccoli florets into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Large pieces may remain undercooked while smaller ones overcook.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta and broccoli in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce on low heat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it, and toss with reheated pasta and broccoli. - What can I use as a substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Note that the consistency and flavor may vary slightly depending on the substitute. - How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check the cooking instructions for gluten-free pasta, as the cook times can differ. - Can I add other seasonings to the sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to add dried Italian herbs, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a dash of white wine for added depth of flavor. These enhancements can take the dish to the next level.
Conclusion
Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a comforting, versatile dish that’s easy to customize for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick weeknight meal or elevating it for a dinner party, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Pair it with your favorite sides, experiment with variations, and savor the rich, creamy goodness!
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Creamy Broccoli Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a quick and delicious dish combining tender pasta, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a comforting treat, this recipe delivers hearty flavors and velvety textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed version.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Creamy broccoli pasta, broccoli pasta recipe, garlic cream sauce pasta