Description
Indulge in this Creamy Broccoli Pasta, a comforting dish that harmoniously blends velvety pasta shells with fresh broccoli and a rich Garlic Parmesan sauce. In just 25 minutes, you can create this flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. The hint of lemon adds brightness, while the creamy texture elevates the entire dish, making it a delicious choice for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or prepping meals for the week, this customizable recipe is sure to please everyone at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ lb medium pasta shells
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- 3 ½ cups broccoli florets (uncooked)
- ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 2 teaspoons lemon
- Seasonings: onion powder, dried thyme, salt, dried oregano, dried parsley
Instructions
- Measure all ingredients and cut broccoli into smaller pieces.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, half and half, and seasonings to create the sauce.
- Bring to a boil and add pasta; cook partially covered as per package instructions.
- Add broccoli in the last 6 minutes of cooking.
- Taste-test pasta for doneness; adjust cooking time if necessary.
- Remove from heat and mix in lemon juice and Parmesan until smooth.
- Serve warm with desired garnishes like parsley or extra cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added protein, consider mixing in cooked chicken or shrimp. Substitute olive oil for butter and nutritional yeast for Parmesan to make it vegan-friendly.