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