Description
Quick Broccoli Pasta is a creamy and cheesy delight that’s perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner. This Italian-American main course combines tender pasta and fresh broccoli in a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, with a hint of garlic and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pot. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and then drain pasta and broccoli.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta and Broccoli: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For added protein, include cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as dietary alternatives.
- Be careful not to overcook broccoli to maintain a tender-crisp texture.
- If sauce thickens too much upon standing, add a little more pasta water when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
