If you are on the hunt for a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a fresh burst of green goodness, this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender pasta embracing crisp broccoli florets, all swirled together in a luscious, velvety cream sauce dotted with garlic and a touch of lemon brightness. It’s such a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Perfect for weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe never fails to please and is bound to become one of your go-to favorites, just like it has for me!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the pasta providing a hearty base, to the broccoli adding color and crunch, and the cream sauce imparting rich, satisfying flavor. These essentials come together seamlessly, making prep easy and the final dish utterly delicious.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Penne works beautifully here as its tube shape catches the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 3 heaping cups broccoli florets: Small pieces ensure quick cooking and a great bite in every forkful.
- 2 tablespoons butter: This enriches the sauce and helps create a smooth roux.
- 1/2 tablespoon flour: The thickening agent that gives your sauce its irresistible creaminess.
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a warm, aromatic depth to the sauce – don’t skip it!
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Adds savory tang and lightens the richness slightly.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice: A bright punch that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A simple blend of herbs for that classic Italian flair.
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream: The heart of the sauce, creating that dreamy texture you crave.
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty goodness that melts into the sauce.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors to life.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli Together
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta right from the start. Cook the pasta until it is just shy of al dente according to the package instructions—this is key for that perfect texture. When the pasta is roughly 2 to 3 minutes away from being done, add the broccoli florets right into the same boiling water. This way, the broccoli cooks gently alongside the pasta, maintaining its bright green color and freshness.
Step 2: Make a Flavored Roux
While your pasta and broccoli are cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once fully melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a thick base for your creamy sauce. The roux should be smooth and lightly golden, setting the stage for the next flavor-packed layers.
Step 3: Build the Sauce with Garlic and Broth
Next, add your minced garlic, broth, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning into the roux. The garlic gently infuses into the sauce, while the broth and lemon juice add tanginess and depth. Let this mixture bubble for about a minute, which helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Whisk in Cream and Parmesan
Lower the heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to cook for a few minutes, stirring often until it thickens to your preferred consistency. Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which melts into the sauce to create an ultra-smooth, flavorful coating for your pasta. Once the cheese is combined, take the pan off the heat to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or separating.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Drain the pasta and broccoli together, but if your sauce feels a bit too thick, reserve a splash of the pasta cooking water—that starchy liquid is a secret weapon to loosen the sauce perfectly. Toss everything back into the skillet and stir gently to combine. Be generous with salt and pepper here; this is where your dish really sings. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture and flavor, topping with a little extra Parmesan if you like.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes is a delightful way to bring a final touch to this dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil gives a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. For a little crunch, toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds can be scattered on top. More grated Parmesan or even a drizzle of good olive oil can elevate the experience further.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides to balance the richness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a bright tomato salad can round out the meal beautifully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a candid dinner party touch, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls, topped with a sprig of fresh herbs and a dusting of black pepper. For a cozy night in, pile it high on a large family-style platter and set it on the table amidst candles and wine. Another fun idea is to stuff cooked large pasta shells or hollowed zucchini boats with the creamy broccoli pasta mixture, then bake briefly for a unique presentation twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy broccoli pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Because of the dairy content, it’s best enjoyed fresh but keeping it chilled will preserve the flavor and texture as much as possible.
Freezing
This pasta is a bit delicate for freezing because the sauce can change texture when thawed, but if you must, freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
When reheating, use low heat on the stovetop or microwave cautiously. Adding a splash of milk or broth helps renew the sauce’s creaminess and keeps the pasta from drying out. Stir frequently to evenly warm the dish while preserving its creamy charm.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, feel free to use fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. The creamy sauce clings well to most pasta shapes, making each bite delicious.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure your Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly. This swap doesn’t affect the richness or flavor one bit.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little flour for thickening, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or creamy. For the classic experience, stick with heavy cream when possible.
How can I make the broccoli cook faster?
Cut broccoli into smaller florets and add them to the pasta water later during cooking. Steaming the broccoli separately for a few minutes before adding to the pasta also speeds up the process.
What if I don’t have fresh Parmesan cheese?
Pre-grated Parmesan can be used in a pinch, but freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a richer taste. Avoid powdered cheese blends as they won’t integrate smoothly into the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to make this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is such a rewarding treat your taste buds will thank you for. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining simple ingredients with a touch of love and care. Whether for a weekday dinner or a special occasion, I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find it becomes a cherished staple in your recipe collection.
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
Description
This creamy broccoli pasta is a comforting, easy-to-make meal featuring tender penne and broccoli florets coated in a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it balances fresh vegetable goodness with indulgent flavors and bright lemon notes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne recommended)
- 3 heaping cups broccoli, cut into small florets
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions for al dente texture. When there are about 2-3 minutes left on the pasta, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to cook alongside.
- Make Roux Base: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once fully melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, cooking out the raw flour taste.
- Add Flavorings: Stir the minced garlic into the roux, then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, lemon juice, and sprinkle the Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to bubble gently for about a minute, blending the flavors.
- Create Cream Sauce: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens to your preferred consistency. Remove the pan from heat and fold in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Season: Drain the cooked pasta and broccoli thoroughly. If the cream sauce has become too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water before draining to loosen it. Add the pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper generously to taste. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use fresh parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness when combined with sauce.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal creaminess and texture.
