Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it’s incredibly easy and quick, but the flavor is on point. The creamy sauce clings to the pasta perfectly, while the broccoli adds a fresh crunch and beautiful color. The addition of Parmesan cheese makes the sauce so rich, while a squeeze of lemon brightens everything up. It’s an easy go-to meal when I need something filling and tasty in less than 30 minutes.

Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 4 tablespoons butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 ¼ cups half and half

  • ½ lb. medium pasta shells

  • ¼ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, dried thyme, salt

  • ½ teaspoon EACH: dried oregano, dried parsley

  • 3 ½ cups broccoli florets, uncooked

  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated into a powder

Directions

  1. First, I measure out all the ingredients before I start cooking. This makes everything move quickly once I’m in the kitchen.

  2. I melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet and add the minced garlic, cooking it for about a minute until fragrant.

  3. Then, I pour in the chicken broth, half and half, and add the seasonings (onion powder, thyme, salt, oregano, and parsley). I bring the mixture to a boil.

  4. Once it’s boiling, I add the pasta shells, submerging them in the liquid. I let it return to a boil and cook partially covered, following the package instructions for the pasta.

  5. With about 6 minutes left of cooking time, I toss in the broccoli florets. I make sure to stir occasionally with a silicone spatula to prevent the pasta from sticking.

  6. When the pasta is done, I remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Then, I gently mix in the finely grated Parmesan cheese, which will thicken the sauce beautifully.

  7. The sauce will continue to thicken as it stands, so I make sure to taste-test and adjust the seasoning if needed. I love garnishing it with fresh parsley and serving it alongside some garlic bread with cheese.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Add chicken: I sometimes add grilled chicken to this dish for extra protein.

  • Use different cheese: If I’m feeling adventurous, I switch up the cheese mix and use Asiago or Romano along with the Parmesan.

  • Vegan version: For a plant-based twist, I use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and vegan Parmesan.

  • Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat to balance the creamy sauce.

  • Use different pasta shapes: I’ve made this with fusilli and farfalle, and they both work great.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The consistency of the sauce can change a little when reheated, but I love microwaving it for a quick lunch. If I want to freeze leftovers, I place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any similarly-sized pasta, like fusilli or farfalle, can be substituted. Just follow the cooking time on the pasta package.

Can I add chicken to this dish?

Definitely! You can either add grilled chicken or make it into a chicken and broccoli pasta by cooking the chicken in the same skillet before adding the pasta and sauce.

What if I don’t have half and half?

I often use heavy cream or even whole milk if I don’t have half and half on hand. The result will still be creamy, just with a slightly different texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! If I need to prep this ahead, I cook everything and store it in the fridge. I then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra milk or broth to get the sauce smooth again.

How can I make the sauce richer?

For a richer sauce, I sometimes add a little more Parmesan or a splash of heavy cream to make it even more decadent.

Conclusion

This Creamy Broccoli Pasta is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s comforting, fresh, and incredibly satisfying with the creamy sauce and vibrant broccoli. Plus, it’s versatile—whether you add chicken or try different cheese blends, it always turns out delicious. I can’t get enough of this simple, yet indulgent pasta!

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Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Creamy Broccoli Pasta

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This Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a delightful dish that combines a rich, buttery garlic Parmesan sauce with fresh broccoli and pasta shells. It’s simple, quick, and full of flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing meal.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

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 EACH: onion powder, dried thyme, salt
  • ½ teaspoon EACH: dried oregano, dried parsley
  • 3 ½ cups broccoli florets, uncooked
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated into a powder

Instructions

  1. Measure out all ingredients before starting the cooking process.
  2. Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet and add minced garlic, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and half and half, then add the seasonings (onion powder, thyme, salt, oregano, and parsley). Bring to a boil.
  4. Add the pasta shells to the skillet, submerging them in the liquid. Bring it back to a boil and cook partially covered, following the package instructions for the pasta.
  5. With about 6 minutes left of the pasta cooking time, add the broccoli florets, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
  6. Once the pasta is done, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
  7. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to thicken the sauce. Taste-test and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with garlic bread if desired.

Notes

  • This recipe makes 4 servings.
  • If you want to make it vegan, use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and vegan Parmesan.
  • For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  • This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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