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
Scale
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.
