Description
This Creamy Broccoli Pasta features tender pasta shells smothered in a rich and buttery garlic Parmesan sauce, with a touch of lemon juice and lots of fresh broccoli. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the creamy comfort of pasta with the freshness of vegetables—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with the family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Prepare Ingredients:
Measure out all ingredients before starting. Cut the broccoli into smaller pieces to help it cook faster. - Cook Garlic:
Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. - Add Liquids and Seasonings:
Stir in the chicken broth, half and half, and seasonings (onion powder, dried thyme, salt, dried oregano, dried parsley). Bring the mixture to a boil. - Cook the Pasta:
Add the pasta shells to the boiling liquid. Submerge them and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Partially cover the skillet, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. - Add Broccoli:
During the last 6 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir occasionally to help it cook evenly. - Check Pasta Doneness:
Before removing from heat, taste-test a pasta shell for doneness. If necessary, cover and cook a little longer until the pasta is tender. - Finish the Dish:
Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Gently mix in the Parmesan cheese using a silicone spatula. Let the sauce thicken as it sits, as it will continue to thicken slightly after removal from heat. - Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- The sauce will thicken as it cools slightly, so don’t worry if it seems runny when you first remove it from the heat.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with a little water to thicken it up before adding the Parmesan.
- Frozen broccoli can be substituted if fresh is unavailable; just make sure to thaw it beforehand and drain excess water.
- To make this dish vegan, substitute the half and half with coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use vegan Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: main course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- 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