Creamy Broccoli Pasta is an easy and tasty meal you can make in under 30 minutes. Small pasta shells mix with broccoli in a smooth, cheesy sauce made from Parmesan and cream. It’s quick to prepare and satisfying for any meal.
Why We Love This Creamy Broccoli Pasta
You will love this recipe because it combines the fresh, bright flavor of broccoli with the indulgent creaminess of a cheese sauce. The mini shell pasta holds the sauce wonderfully, making each bite satisfying and flavorful. It’s a quick recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture, and it’s family-friendly, perfect for busy nights. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more vegetables onto your plate in a delicious form.
Ingredients for Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Here’s what you will need to make this creamy and comforting pasta dish. The ingredients are simple and easy to find:
- 12 ounces mini shells or any small shaped pasta
- 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Pasta Directions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your mini shell pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente, meaning tender but still firm to the bite. Be sure to save one cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta; this starchy water will help create a smooth sauce later.
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the chopped onion and cook it gently for about three minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté it for only about 30 seconds. This short cooking time releases the garlic’s aroma without burning it, which would make your sauce bitter.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet along with the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let the broccoli cook for about five minutes, allowing it to soften without losing its bright green color.
Pour in the heavy cream and half a cup of the reserved pasta water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to simmer. Let the sauce thicken for around five minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss everything together carefully. Cook the combined mixture for another minute, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce and the flavors are fully blended.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Pasta
When serving your creamy broccoli pasta, a little extra Parmesan sprinkled on top adds a lovely finishing touch and enhances the cheesy flavor. You can also add a few cracks of fresh black pepper to brighten the dish.
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a perfect dish to enjoy warm and fresh from the stove.
For a lighter option, serve smaller portions alongside steamed vegetables or a bowl of fresh fruit. This dish also works well as a main course on its own because it’s hearty and packed with satisfying flavors.
Expert Tips: Creamy Broccoli Pasta
To make your pasta dish stand out, remember to salt your pasta water well. Adding a tablespoon of salt to the boiling water infuses the pasta with flavor, which is key since pasta can taste bland without it.
Avoid overcooking the pasta to keep a nice texture. Cooking it al dente ensures that when you toss it in the sauce, it won’t become mushy but will instead hold its shape and provide a pleasing bite.
Be careful when cooking garlic. It only needs about 30 seconds in the hot oil and butter mixture; any longer and it will burn, leading to a bitter taste that can overpower the dish.
If your sauce seems too thick, use a little more of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. This starchy water helps create a silky smooth sauce without thinning out the flavors.
How to Store Creamy Broccoli Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. The pasta will stay fresh for up to five days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove over medium-low heat to avoid drying it out or burning the sauce.
Avoid freezing this pasta as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed, changing the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or reheated within a few days.
Variation of Creamy Broccoli Pasta
You can customize this dish easily to suit your taste or dietary needs. For a different flavor, try swapping out the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like basil or thyme.
Add some protein by stirring in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu to make the meal more substantial.
If you want a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a plant-based cream alternative. Just note this will change the richness slightly.
For extra texture, toss in toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds before serving. These add a nice crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
Finally, if you like a little heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Broccoli Pasta
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Mini shells are great because they hold the sauce well, but any small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini will work just fine.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Just thaw it and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid making the sauce watery.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast, but the flavor and texture will be different.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce a little longer to reduce it, or add more Parmesan cheese to help thicken it naturally.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the pasta and broccoli ahead, but it’s best to toss everything together just before serving for the best texture.
Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces mini shells pasta
- 1 head broccoli (cut into small florets)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the mini shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- In a large skillet, warm the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add broccoli florets, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until broccoli is tender but bright green.
- Pour in the heavy cream and ½ cup of reserved pasta water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked pasta shells and toss to combine. Cook for another minute to ensure everything is well coated.
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