If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious dish, this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is going to steal your heart. It brings together tender pasta and bright green broccoli in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for friends and family, this recipe balances fresh veggies and rich flavors beautifully, making every bite a cozy hug of Italian-American goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses a handful of simple, essential ingredients that each add a distinctive touch to the dish’s flavor, texture, and vibrant look. By combining pantry staples with fresh broccoli and lemon zest, you’ll create something truly special without fuss or fancy shopping lists.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli): The perfect carriers for the creamy sauce, these shapes grab onto every luscious bite.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Fresh, crisp, and green, broccoli adds a lovely texture and nutritional boost.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For gently sautéing the garlic and adding fruity depth to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic gives an irresistible fragrant punch that wakes up the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The creamy base that turns this pasta into a satisfyingly rich meal.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty tang that elevates the sauce to something memorable.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate components.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A subtle heat that balances the creaminess.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle kick for those who like a little spice.
- ½ cup reserved pasta water: Magic liquid to loosen the sauce and help it cling perfectly to the pasta.
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional): A bright pop of citrus that brings freshness and cuts through the richness.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package directions to get it perfectly al dente. In the last 3 minutes, toss in the broccoli florets right into the pot with the pasta. This brilliant move cooks the broccoli to tender-crisp perfection without extra pots or fuss. Don’t forget to scoop out and set aside half a cup of the starchy, flavorful pasta water before you drain the pasta and broccoli together.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it soften and release its lovely aroma for about 1 to 2 minutes, but be careful not to let it brown too much. This garlic foundation is what gives the sauce that irresistible heartwarming flavor.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and bring it gently to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re adding a bit of heat. The cheese will melt smoothly, thickening the sauce while creating that signature creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together so that every piece of pasta and broccoli gets lovingly coated in that rich sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the consistency feels just right—silky and clinging beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with a Zesty Touch
For a burst of brightness, add the zest of one lemon just at the end. This simple step wakes up the flavors and cuts through the creaminess, leaving a refreshing finish that keeps every forkful exciting.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan over the top just before serving for added cheesiness and a lovely presentation. A few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil also make for beautiful and tasty finishing touches that will impress your guests.
Side Dishes
This creamy broccoli pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, adding contrasting freshness and crunch. Crusty garlic bread is another crowd-pleaser, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the pasta in shallow bowls with microgreens scattered on top for a pop of color. Or, blend some of the cooked broccoli with the sauce for an even greener, vibrant look that makes this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe feel gourmet and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up the sauce, so keep it slightly under sauced when cooking for best results.
Freezing
You can freeze Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe, though cream-based sauces sometimes separate upon thawing. If freezing, allow the pasta to cool completely, then pack in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave reheating works too; just stir halfway through to ensure even heating and avoid drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or fusilli are excellent for holding the creamy sauce, feel free to experiment with shells, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes! Half-and-half works nicely to reduce calories and fat while still keeping the dish creamy. You might lose a bit of thickness, but the flavor remains wonderful.
Can I add protein to the Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe?
Definitely. Adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even toasted pine nuts is a great way to boost protein and make the meal even more satisfying.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker sauce, try blending some of the cooked broccoli with a bit of the pasta water before mixing it in. For a thinner sauce, just add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
You can make a vegan version by substituting the heavy cream and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast. The texture and flavor will be different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is such a delight—simple to make, packed with comforting flavors, and brightened by fresh broccoli and lemon zest. I hope you give it a try and find yourself coming back to it again and again, whether for an easy dinner or to impress friends with no sweat. It’s that kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, every single time.
Print
Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and delicious Italian-American dish that combines tender pasta and vibrant broccoli florets in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. This easy stovetop recipe comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. With the option to add a hint of lemon zest or spice from red pepper flakes, it offers a flavorful twist to a classic pasta meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. During the final 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta and Broccoli: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to evenly coat. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: If desired, stir in the lemon zest to brighten the flavors. Serve the creamy broccoli pasta hot with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Blend some of the cooked broccoli with pasta water to create a thicker, vibrant green sauce.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to increase protein content and make it a heartier meal.
