Description

This creamy broccoli pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender broccoli florets and al dente pasta shells are coated in a rich, garlicky sauce made with butter, half and half, and Parmesan cheese, enhanced by aromatic herbs and a hint of lemon juice for brightness. Served hot and optionally garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by cheesy garlic bread, this recipe offers a satisfying blend of creamy and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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 Ingredients

Fresh parsley for garnish
Garlic bread with cheese, for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves finely and cut broccoli into small florets if not pre-cut. Grate the Parmesan cheese and set aside.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add the medium pasta shells. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, but not burnt.
Build the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and half and half into the skillet. Stir in the onion powder, dried thyme, salt, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the simmering sauce. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the sauce and broccoli. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Finish with lemon and cheese: Stir in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, coating the pasta beautifully.
Serve: Transfer the creamy broccoli pasta to plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve with warm garlic bread with cheese on the side for a complete meal.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
Fresh broccoli can be replaced with frozen florets if necessary.
To enhance creaminess, add a splash more half and half or a dollop of cream cheese.
Adjust seasonings to taste, especially salt and herbs.