Description
A comforting and creamy broccoli pasta recipe featuring tender pasta and fresh broccoli florets tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying Italian-American weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Additional Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot with the pasta to cook them until tender. Drain both pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously to combine flavors and avoid scorching.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Toss pasta and broccoli in sauce: Add the drained pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and veggies evenly with the sauce.
- Finish and serve: If desired, add lemon zest for a fresh bright note. Serve the creamy broccoli pasta warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Blend a portion of the cooked broccoli with a little cream for a greener, more broccoli-forward sauce.
- Add grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms to increase protein content and make it more filling.
