Name: Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 ¼ cups half and half; ½ lb. medium pasta shells; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; 3 ½ cups broccoli florets (uncooked); 2 teaspoons lemon juice; ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated; Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish; Optional: Garlic bread with cheese, for serving

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Introduction

There’s something truly comforting about pasta coated in a creamy sauce, especially when it’s made with wholesome ingredients like fresh broccoli, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon. This Creamy Broccoli Pasta has quickly become a family favorite in our home. It’s one of those dishes that combines the richness of a buttery garlic sauce with the freshness of vegetables and herbs, resulting in a balanced, flavorful meal. The best part? It’s so easy to make!

What makes this dish particularly great is how versatile it is—perfect for a weeknight dinner but also fancy enough for a weekend gathering. The creamy sauce clings to each pasta shell, and the broccoli adds a crunchy, slightly bitter contrast that balances the richness. My family absolutely loves this recipe, and even my kids, who can sometimes be picky about their vegetables, ask for seconds of the broccoli. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and lemon makes this pasta utterly irresistible. If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor, this Creamy Broccoli Pasta is definitely one to try.

Ingredients

To make this creamy, garlic-infused pasta dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth

1 ¼ cups half and half
½ lb. medium pasta shells
¼ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon dried parsley
3 ½ cups broccoli florets, uncooked
2 teaspoons lemon juice

¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional: Garlic bread with cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by measuring out all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process go more smoothly, especially when working with multiple steps. Cut the broccoli into small florets so they cook faster and more evenly in the sauce.

2. Cook the Garlic

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden, not browned.

3. Add Liquids and Seasonings

Stir in the chicken broth, half and half, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This will form the base of your creamy sauce, so make sure all the seasonings are well mixed into the liquids.

4. Cook the Pasta

Add the pasta shells to the boiling mixture. Submerge them completely in the liquid and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Partially cover the skillet to retain the heat, but stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

5. Add the Broccoli

During the last 6 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir occasionally to help the broccoli cook evenly. The broccoli will soften but still maintain a bit of crunch, providing a perfect texture contrast to the creamy pasta.

6. Check Pasta Doneness

Before removing the skillet from the heat, taste-test a pasta shell to ensure it’s tender. If the pasta isn’t fully cooked, cover the skillet and let it sit for another couple of minutes.

7. Finish the Dish

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. The acidity from the lemon adds a fresh pop of flavor to balance out the richness of the sauce. Gently mix in the Parmesan cheese using a silicone spatula. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it creamy and delicious.

8. Let the Sauce Thicken

As the dish sits, the sauce will continue to thicken, so don’t worry if it looks a little runny when you first finish cooking. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce, creating a perfectly creamy consistency.

9. Serve

Serve the Creamy Broccoli Pasta in bowls or on plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If you’d like to make the meal even more indulgent, serve with some garlic bread with cheese on the side.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition breakdown for Creamy Broccoli Pasta, based on 4 servings:

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 450

Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 24g

Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 14g

Cholesterol: 45mg

Please note that these values can vary depending on the exact ingredients used (like the type of broth or the amount of cheese).

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

This is a quick and easy recipe that can be made in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

You can serve Creamy Broccoli Pasta in many different ways. Here are some options:

As a Main Course: Serve the pasta on its own as a filling, satisfying main dish.
With Garlic Bread: Pair the pasta with garlic bread with cheese for a more indulgent meal.

With a Fresh Salad: A side salad, like a Caesar salad or a simple green salad, would balance the richness of the pasta.
As a Side Dish: Serve as a side with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or a vegetarian entrée for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Broccoli: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh broccoli instead of frozen. It cooks faster and gives a more vibrant color to the dish.

Customize the Cheese: While Parmesan is classic, feel free to add other cheeses like mozzarella for extra creaminess or asiago for a sharper flavor.
Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add some cooked chicken or sausage to the pasta. Alternatively, you could add tofu for a vegetarian protein option.
Make It Vegan: Substitute the half and half with a plant-based cream or milk (such as oat milk), and use vegan Parmesan to make this dish vegan-friendly.

Save the Leftovers: This pasta reheats beautifully. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Creamy Broccoli Pasta is fantastic, here are a few ways you can change up the recipe:

Add Bacon or Pancetta: For a savory touch, fry up some bacon or pancetta and crumble it on top before serving.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist that pairs well with the richness of the cheese and cream.
Mushroom Addition: Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for a hearty addition to the dish.
Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add some lemon zest along with the lemon juice.

Add Other Veggies: Try adding other vegetables, like spinach, peas, or zucchini, for a more colorful and nutritious meal.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Bread with Cheese: This classic side is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve the pasta with roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted carrots for a balanced meal.

Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad or a Mediterranean salad with feta and olives for freshness.
Grilled Meat: For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep the sauce creamy.

Freezing:
If you have leftovers, you can freeze the pasta. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and then heat gently on the stove, adding a little milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQ Section

Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Just store it in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to bring the sauce back to life.
**Can I use a different type of pasta?**
Absolutely! You can substitute the medium pasta shells with any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.

Can I make this dish without chicken broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or simply use water with a little extra seasoning.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is best, but frozen broccoli can be used as well. Just make sure it’s thawed and drained before adding it to the pasta.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.

Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken, sausage, or bacon would be delicious additions.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, substitute the half-and-half for a plant-based alternative like oat milk, and use vegan cheese.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally and partially cover the skillet to retain moisture.

How long does this dish last?
The pasta lasts 2-3 days in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container.
Can I make this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this is a one-pot meal! All the cooking is done in the skillet.

Conclusion

Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a satisfying, quick, and easy dish that delivers on both flavor and comfort. With simple ingredients like garlic, Parmesan, and broccoli, this meal comes together in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect option for busy nights when you still want a delicious homemade dinner. Whether served on its own or paired with garlic bread, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

Creamy Broccoli Pasta