Go Back

Creamy Broccoli Pasta

This creamy broccoli pasta combines tender al dente pasta with vibrant green broccoli in a velvety sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan. The dish is finished with a splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of good olive oil, resulting in a comforting yet fresh and colorful meal with a silky texture and bright appearance.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g pasta (penne or orecchiette) preferably al dente
  • 300 g broccoli florets small and uniform for even cooking
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed or minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream for a rich, velvety sauce
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil preferably fruity and peppery
  • to taste salt and black pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Deep skillet or wide saucepan
  • Slotted Spoon
  • Whisk or spatula

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. While the pasta cooks, chop the broccoli into small florets. When the pasta is nearly done, blanch the broccoli in the boiling water for about 2 minutes until bright green and tender but still crisp. Drain the broccoli and set aside.
  3. In a deep skillet or wide saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the crushed garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, listening for that nutty aroma.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened and creamy, scraping up any browned bits from the garlic.
  5. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly, allowing the flavors to meld for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil for gloss and richness.
  7. Give everything a final toss, then serve immediately in warm bowls. Garnish with additional cheese or herbs if desired, and enjoy this cozy, vibrant dish.

Notes

Use fresh, vibrant broccoli and high-quality Parmesan to maximize flavor. Save some starchy pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed. Finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.