Description
This creamy broccoli pasta is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring al dente pasta and tender broccoli florets tossed in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. It’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The sauce is flavored with a hint of lemon zest and fresh parsley, adding brightness to the dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking to ensure they become tender yet crisp. Drain pasta and broccoli together, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the butter, lemon zest, and the cooked pasta with broccoli into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Final Cooking and Serve: Cook the mixture for an additional 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Optionally, add extra Parmesan on top. Serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to increase the protein content and make it a more filling meal.
- For a vibrant green sauce, blend some of the cooked broccoli into the cream sauce before tossing with the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
