Creamy Broccoli Pasta: Easy Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a quick, comforting weeknight meal. Enjoy tender broccoli florets in a rich, creamy sauce with your favorite pasta.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ The Pasta Foundation
01 -
12 oz short pasta (e.g., penne, rotini)
→ Creamy Dream Sauce
02 -
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 small shallot, finely diced
05 -
1 cup vegetable broth
06 -
1/2 cup half-and-half
07 -
2 oz cream cheese, softened
08 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
→ Garden Freshness & Brightness
09 -
1 lb fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
10 -
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
→ Seasoning & Sparkle
11 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
12 -
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
13 -
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
14 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 12 oz short pasta and cook according to package directions. During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add 1 lb fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, then set aside.
02 -
While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small shallot, finely diced, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
03 -
Pour in 1 cup vegetable broth and 1/2 cup half-and-half, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low. This forms the delicious base for your Creamy Broccoli Pasta: Easy Weeknight Meal.
04 -
Add 2 oz cream cheese, softened, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering sauce. Whisk continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
05 -
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss everything together until well coated for your Creamy Broccoli Pasta: Easy Weeknight Meal.
06 -
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve your Creamy Broccoli Pasta: Easy Weeknight Meal immediately, garnished with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this quick and satisfying dish!
# Notes:
01 -
For an even richer sauce, substitute heavy cream for half-and-half, or add a tablespoon of butter with the cream cheese.
02 -
Store leftover Creamy Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk.
03 -
Feel free to swap broccoli for other quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or peas. Cooked chicken or shrimp can also be added for extra protein.
04 -
Serve this pasta with a simple side salad and crusty bread to complete your easy weeknight meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Colander
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 558 kcal
Total Fat: 21 g
Total Carbohydrate: 73 g
Protein: 21 g