Comforting Creamy Broccoli Parmesan Pasta

By: Rabia

Recipe Card

Hook / Quick Description
A warm, creamy pasta dish tossed with tender broccoli florets, garlic, and parmesan — cozy comfort food that’s simple, satisfying, and vegetarian-friendly.

Servings & Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Yield: 4 servings

Dietary Badges
✅ Vegetarian
✅ Quick Weeknight Meal
❌ Vegan (contains dairy)
❌ Gluten-Free (unless GF pasta is used)

Ingredients (checklist-style)

  • Pasta (penne, spaghetti, fettuccine, or choice)

  • Broccoli (cut into florets)

  • Butter (unsalted)

  • Olive oil

  • Garlic (minced)

  • Heavy cream

  • Parmesan cheese (grated)

  • Lemon juice (optional)

  • Salt & pepper

  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions (Quick Version)

  1. Cook pasta; reserve 1 cup pasta water.

  2. Steam/blanch broccoli until just tender.

  3. In skillet, sauté garlic in butter + olive oil.

  4. Add cream, simmer, then stir in parmesan. Season.

  5. Toss pasta + broccoli into sauce, thinning with pasta water as needed.

  6. Finish with lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and garnish with parsley.

  7. Serve warm in bowls.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated parmesan for best texture.

  • Add pasta water slowly to achieve silky sauce.

  • Lemon juice brightens the richness of the cream.

Introduction

This dish is the definition of comforting vegetarian dinner — rich, creamy pasta swirled in a parmesan-garlic sauce with bright green broccoli to balance it all out. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough to serve at a dinner gathering. Think of it as a lighter, veggie-packed twist on fettuccine Alfredo.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water before draining.

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Step 2: Prep the Broccoli
Steam or blanch broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes, just until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let it brown). Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in parmesan until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine & Finish
Toss pasta and broccoli into the skillet, coating well in the sauce. If sauce is too thick, add splashes of reserved pasta water until creamy. Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 5: Serve
Divide into bowls and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

  • Pasta: Use any shape you like; penne and fettuccine hold sauce well. Gluten-free pasta works too.

  • Broccoli: Swap with asparagus, zucchini, or spinach for variety.

  • Cream: For lighter sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk (sauce will be thinner).

  • Parmesan: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano also melt beautifully.

  • Butter/Oil: For a nutty twist, brown the butter slightly before adding cream.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

  • Protein Boost: Stir in chickpeas, white beans, or sautéed mushrooms.

  • Citrus Twist: Add more lemon zest for brightness.

Serving Ideas

  • Pair with garlic bread or focaccia.

  • Serve alongside a simple green salad for balance.

  • Great with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in a sealed container.

  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen sauce.

  • Freezing: Not recommended — cream sauce can split.

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Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

Calories: ~480 kcal | Protein: 15g | Fat: 26g | Carbs: 48g

Allergens: Contains dairy, gluten.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this vegan?
Yes — use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely — spinach, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes work well.

Q: What if the sauce gets too thick?
Add splashes of reserved pasta water until smooth and silky.

Personal Note

This recipe is one of my weeknight go-tos when I want something comforting but still packed with veggies. The broccoli adds just the right freshness to cut through the creamy sauce, making it hearty but balanced. Even non-vegetarians love it!

Rabia
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