Description
Creamy Broccoli Pasta: Indulge in this quick and comforting dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a luscious creamy broccoli sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work beautifully)
- 1 large head broccoli (about 12 oz/340g), cut into small florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. While waiting, wash your broccoli thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets about 1-inch in size. Mince your garlic, dice your onion, and measure out your remaining ingredients. Having everything prepped before you start cooking ensures your Creamy Broccoli Pasta comes together smoothly.
- Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli Once your water is boiling, add the broccoli florets and cook for exactly 2 minutes until bright green and just tender. Using a slotted spoon, quickly transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This step ensures your broccoli remains vibrant and maintains that perfect tender-crisp texture in your finished pasta dish.
- Step 3: Cook the Pasta Add your pasta to the same pot of boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water—this is your secret weapon for creating a silky, cohesive sauce. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it; those surface starches will help the creamy sauce adhere beautifully.
- Step 4: Create the Sauce Base While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. You’ll notice an irresistible aroma filling your kitchen—this is the flavor foundation of your broccoli pasta coming to life.
- Step 5: Develop the Creamy Sauce Pour the heavy cream into your skillet, stirring to combine with the aromatics. Bring to a gentle simmer (never a full boil, which can cause separation) and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly until completely melted and incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Combine and Finish Add your drained pasta directly to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each strand. Fold in the blanched broccoli, ensuring it’s distributed evenly throughout. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Cook everything together for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb some of the sauce. Your Creamy Broccoli Pasta is now ready to serve, preferably with an additional sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480 per serving
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg