Ah, creamy broccoli pasta! It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love how simple yet delicious this creamy broccoli pasta recipe is—it’s my go-to when I want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The rich, velvety sauce pairs perfectly with the crisp-tender broccoli, and it’s so quick to whip up! I remember the first time I made this for my family; their eyes lit up with excitement as they took their first bites. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table too!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente. You want it perfectly tender but not mushy!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large pan and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Oh, that smell is heavenly!
- Next, add the broccoli florets to the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re bright green and tender but still crisp. You want that perfect bite!
- Now, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into that creamy goodness for a couple of minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it straight into the pan with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, and voilà! Serve it warm, and get ready for a delicious experience!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Rich, creamy flavor that satisfies every craving.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it perfect for meatless meals.
- Flexible recipe—customize it with your favorite add-ins!
Tips for Success
To make your creamy broccoli pasta recipe truly shine, don’t be afraid to adjust the cream and cheese to your liking—if you want it extra rich, go for it! As for pasta, feel free to use any shape you love; penne or farfalle work wonderfully. If you’re looking to add some protein, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp make fantastic additions. And here’s a little secret: a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give it a delightful kick! Lastly, make sure to taste as you go—seasoning is key to elevating those flavors!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to switch up this creamy broccoli pasta recipe! Try adding in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor or toss in some spinach for an extra veggie boost. If you love a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can do wonders! For a different twist, swap out the broccoli for asparagus or peas—both work beautifully in this dish. And if you want to make it even heartier, adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp can turn it into a complete meal. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your creamy broccoli pasta is a breeze! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, simply reheat them on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce as it warms—this will keep it creamy and prevent it from drying out. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat, but make sure to stir it halfway through for even warming. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
This creamy broccoli pasta recipe serves about 4 people and packs a delicious punch! Here’s a rough breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements used. Enjoy your meal guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great in this creamy broccoli pasta recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pan.
What kind of pasta should I use?
Honestly, you can use any pasta shape you love! Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti would be fantastic. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything and store the sauce separately. Just combine them before serving and reheat gently on the stovetop.
How can I make it vegan?
To make this creamy broccoli pasta vegan, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor!
What can I add for extra protein?
If you’re looking to boost the protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas would be delightful additions. Just toss them in right before serving!
Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe: 5 Steps to Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy broccoli pasta recipe is simple and delicious.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add broccoli and cook until tender.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Toss the pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer.
- You can add chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Adjust cream and cheese based on your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: creamy broccoli pasta recipe
