Broccoli Lover’s Creamy Pasta

$- 12 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne recommended) - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (for garnish) - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) To make this dish, you will need: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for sauce - Colander for draining pasta - Whisk for mixing sauce - Wooden spoon for stirring You can easily swap some ingredients based on your taste or what you have: - Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. - Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter sauce. - If you don’t have Parmesan, try pecorino or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. - For garlic lovers, add more minced garlic for extra flavor. - Pine nuts can be swapped with walnuts or omitted if you prefer. These simple swaps keep the dish tasty and fun! Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 ounces of your pasta choice. I like fettuccine or penne for this dish. Follow the package instructions and cook until the pasta is al dente. During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets. This will blanch the broccoli and keep it bright green. After the time is up, drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander. Next, take a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Once hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely so it doesn’t brown. Then lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to mix. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like a hint of heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Let this mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes. Now, gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now it's time to bring it all together. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce in the skillet. Toss everything well until the pasta is coated. To serve, plate the pasta and broccoli mix. For a nice finish, sprinkle ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts on top. Add some fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy this delightful dish! To cook pasta just right, start with a big pot of water. Add a generous amount of salt; it should taste like the sea. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding your pasta. Follow the package time, but check for al dente. This means it should be firm yet tender. During the last few minutes, toss in the broccoli florets. This way, they cook perfectly with the pasta. Add different flavors to your creamy pasta. You can use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness. Lemon zest adds a nice zing, brightening the dish. For some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Toasted pine nuts give a lovely crunch and nutty taste. Experiment with these to find your favorite combo! For a creamy sauce, using heavy cream is key. It makes the sauce rich and smooth. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, as this enhances the creaminess. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it. This water has starch, which helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best flavor! Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente. This will ensure it maintains a slight bite and won’t become mushy when mixed with the creamy sauce. Fresh Garlic Flavor: Sauté the garlic until fragrant but not browned to avoid a bitter taste. Fresh garlic adds a vibrant flavor to the dish. Cheese Melting Tip: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese off the heat to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Don’t skip the toasted pine nuts and fresh basil. They add a wonderful crunch and aromatic freshness that elevates the dish. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegan by swapping a few ingredients. Use plant-based pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan. These changes keep the dish creamy and flavorful while being plant-based. To make your pasta a full meal, add proteins. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. For a meatless option, use tofu or chickpeas. Cook them separately and mix them in with the pasta. This adds texture and keeps you full longer. You can mix in other veggies for more flavor. Spinach, peas, or bell peppers are great choices. Just sauté them with the garlic or blanch them with the broccoli. This way, you add colors and nutrients to your dish. Feel free to get creative with your favorite vegetables! To keep your creamy pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. Let it cool first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal it well to prevent drying out. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water. This helps loosen the sauce. Heat it on the stove over low heat, stirring gently. You can also use a microwave. Cover it to avoid splatters. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. You can freeze this pasta for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently as mentioned before. The creaminess might change a bit, but it will still taste good! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just cook it until tender. Add it to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking. This saves time and still gives great flavor. Fettuccine and penne work best for creamy sauces. Their shapes hold the sauce well. You can also use rigatoni or shells if you like. Choose any pasta you enjoy, as long as it’s not too thin. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many great options now. Look for pasta made from rice or chickpeas. Follow the same cooking steps, and you will have a tasty meal! In this post, we explored ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and useful tips for creamy pasta. We discussed ingredient swaps and variations, like vegan options. Storing and reheating strategies help ensure your meal lasts. Remember, cooking is fun. Experiment with flavors and textures. Each meal can be unique. Enjoy your creamy pasta adventure!$

Broccoli Lover’s Creamy Pasta

A delicious creamy pasta dish featuring broccoli and Parmesan cheese, perfect for pasta lovers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne recommended)
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
0.25 cup toasted pine nuts (for garnish)
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch them.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant (do not let it brown).
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Drain the pasta and broccoli, then add them to the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
Plate the pasta and broccoli mixture and garnish with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves for added flavor and crunch.

Notes

Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.

Keyword broccoli, creamy, pasta, vegetarian