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Creamy Pantry-Staple Broccoli Pasta

This comforting dish transforms simple pantry ingredients into a creamy broccoli pasta using basic techniques like sautéing, boiling, and tossing. Bright green broccoli is cooked until just tender and charred for depth, then coated in a luscious sauce made from cream and cheese, resulting in a rich, satisfying final appearance. The dish showcases a balance of vibrant greens and creamy textures, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli) uncooked
  • 2 cups broccoli florets small, bright green
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Wide skillet
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups
  • Grater
  • Lemon Squeezer

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and wait until shimmering and fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  3. Add the broccoli florets to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sauté until bright green and slightly charred around the edges, about 4-5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
  4. Push the broccoli to one side of the pan and add minced garlic to the cleared space. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic and broccoli. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
  6. Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce, adding more pasta water if needed to loosen it.
  7. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and squeeze in lemon juice. Toss again to evenly distribute, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Let the pasta rest for a minute off the heat, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly. Give it a final toss and taste for seasoning adjustments.
  9. Serve the creamy broccoli pasta warm, garnished with extra cheese or lemon zest if desired. Enjoy the vibrant, velvety dish with a bright finish.

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, give the broccoli a quick char over high heat. Adjust cream and cheese quantities for richer or lighter versions. Use reserved pasta water to perfect the sauce consistency.