Ingredients
Scale
To make Creamy Broccoli Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Ingredient Highlights
- Broccoli: Broccoli adds a fresh, slightly bitter taste that perfectly balances the richness of the creamy sauce. It’s also packed with fiber, vitamin C, and other important nutrients.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is what makes the sauce so creamy and rich. It adds a smooth texture and indulgent flavor to the pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese: The Parmesan cheese contributes a nutty, salty flavor that enhances the overall richness of the dish and helps thicken the sauce.
- Garlic: Garlic adds aromatic depth to the sauce, infusing it with a savory flavor that complements the creamy elements of the dish.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and adds a mild richness that complements the creamy sauce.
Instructions
Prepare the Broccoli and Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Set the pasta aside.
- Blanch the Broccoli: While the pasta is cooking, steam or blanch the broccoli florets in a separate pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain the broccoli and set it aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to combine with the garlic and butter. Allow the cream to simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Add the Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
Combine the Pasta and Broccoli:
- Add the Pasta and Broccoli: Add the cooked pasta and steamed broccoli to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce and the broccoli is evenly distributed.
- Finish the Dish: Add the lemon juice (if using) for a fresh, tangy note and sprinkle with red pepper flakes (optional) for a little heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve and Garnish:
- Garnish and Serve: Divide the creamy broccoli pasta into serving bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. This dish is perfect on its own or with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6
- Calories: 400-450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g