Description
Creamy broccoli pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that elevates your weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. This recipe features tender pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce, complemented by crisp broccoli florets for added texture and flavor. Quick to prepare and highly customizable, it’s perfect for busy families or cozy gatherings, ensuring everyone at the table will be impressed.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (penne or fettuccine recommended)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Blanch Broccoli: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Make Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with garlic, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Toss the drained pasta and blanched broccoli into the sauce, mixing well until coated. If needed, add reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy broccoli pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or cracked black pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg