Creamy Broccoli Pasta Dish

This creamy broccoli pasta combines tender shells with a velvety garlic parmesan sauce for a comforting meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes. The broccoli adds a fresh element that perfectly balances the richness of the sauce while keeping the dish feeling satisfying yet not heavy.

I created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something fast but satisfying. My family now requests it almost weekly, and I love how it transforms humble ingredients into something that feels special enough for company.

Ingredients

• Butter: forms the rich base of our sauce, use unsalted to control seasoning
• Garlic: fresh minced garlic provides aromatic flavor that dried simply cannot match
• Chicken broth: adds depth while keeping the sauce from being too heavy
• Half and half: creates silky creaminess without being as heavy as pure cream
• Medium pasta shells: perfect for catching little pools of sauce in their crevices
• Dried herbs: oregano, thyme, parsley work together to create an Italian flavor profile
• Broccoli florets: provides nutrition and freshness to balance the creamy components
• Lemon juice: brightens everything with just a touch of acidity
• Parmesan cheese: use freshly grated from a block for the smoothest melting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Ingredients:

Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting. Cut broccoli into small pieces to ensure even cooking. This preparation step saves stress during the quick cooking process and ensures nothing overcooks while you search for ingredients.

Create Flavor Base:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for exactly one minute until fragrant but not browned. The butter will become infused with garlic flavor which serves as the foundation of our sauce.

Build The Sauce:

Add chicken broth, half and half, and all seasonings to the pan. This combination creates a perfectly balanced sauce that is rich without being too heavy. The herbs will begin to bloom in the warm liquid, releasing their flavors throughout the mixture.

Cook Pasta And Broccoli:

Bring liquid to a boil and add pasta. Ensure pasta is fully submerged and return to a boil. Cook partially covered according to package directions, adding broccoli during the final 6 minutes. Stir occasionally with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking. The broccoli will become tender but still maintain a slight bite.

Test For Doneness:

Remove cover and taste a pasta shell to ensure it has reached your preferred tenderness. If needed, continue cooking covered until perfect. The pasta should be al dente with just a slight resistance when bitten.

Finish The Dish:

Remove from heat before adding lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Gently fold ingredients together with a silicone spatula until cheese melts completely into the sauce. The sauce will continue thickening as it stands, creating the perfect consistency.

The broccoli is truly the star ingredient for me in this recipe. I used to avoid it as a child, but preparing it this way completely changed my relationship with this vegetable. The way it soaks up the creamy sauce while maintaining just enough texture makes it something I actively crave rather than merely tolerate.

Storage Solutions

This pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken considerably when chilled, but a splash of milk when reheating will restore its creamy consistency. I often make a double batch specifically to enjoy throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.

Perfect Cheese Selection

The quality of Parmesan makes a noticeable difference in this recipe. Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Instead, purchase a block of Parmigiano Reggiano or even a blend of Italian hard cheeses like Asiago and Romano for the best flavor and texture. Grating it fresh just before adding allows it to incorporate perfectly into the sauce.

Customization Options

This recipe serves as an excellent base for endless variations. Add cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for different flavor profiles. For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. My favorite variation includes a handful of toasted pine nuts sprinkled on top just before serving for a delightful textural contrast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make the sauce creamier?

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ensure the sauce isn't overheated before adding the cheese to prevent separation.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, similarly-sized pastas like fusilli or farfalle can be used. Adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions.

→ What can I add to enhance the dish?

Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or a combination of Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano cheese for added flavor.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw it first and add it to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking the pasta.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.