Description
Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender pasta shells with a rich, garlicky cream sauce, fresh broccoli florets, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe balances creamy textures with vibrant herbs and a hint of lemon for freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Pasta and Vegetables
- ½ lb. medium pasta shells
- 3 ½ cups broccoli florets (uncooked)
Optional Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Garlic bread with cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water to soften. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Prepare the sauce base: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and half and half, stirring to combine. Add onion powder, dried thyme, salt, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Let the sauce simmer for about 4-5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to reduce slightly, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Incorporate pasta and broccoli: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes to warm through.
- Finish with cheese and lemon: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately. Complement the dish with garlic bread topped with cheese for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli florets for best texture; frozen can be used but may alter cooking time.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Substitute half and half with heavy cream for a richer sauce or milk for a lighter version.
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Parmesan cheese adds both flavor and helps thicken the sauce; freshly grated is preferred.
- Garlic bread is an optional but delicious accompaniment that pairs well.
