Creamy Broccoli Pasta
A delicious and easy creamy broccoli pasta recipe perfect for a comforting dinner.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot for pasta
- 1 Steamer basket for broccoli
- 1 Saucepan for sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice e.g., penne, fusilli
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and cut the broccoli into small florets. Steam them for about 4-5 minutes until tender.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta and steamed broccoli to the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta and broccoli evenly with the sauce.
Serving
- Divide the creamy broccoli pasta among plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired and serve immediately.
Storage
- Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Ensure the broccoli is not overcooked to retain its texture. Add a splash of pasta water to the sauce if it becomes too thick. For a lighter option, substitute some of the cream with milk.
Ingredient Substitutions: You can use any pasta shape you prefer. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
How to Serve: Serve hot with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a side of garlic bread or green salad.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a bit of cream to refresh the sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions: You can use any pasta shape you prefer. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
How to Serve: Serve hot with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a side of garlic bread or green salad.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a bit of cream to refresh the sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.