If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together in no time, you are going to love this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe. It strikes the perfect balance between rich, velvety sauce and the fresh, vibrant crunch of broccoli, all nestled into tender pasta shells. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent without being heavy, a perfect weeknight meal or a cozy weekend treat to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create harmony between taste, texture, and color. The butter and garlic lay the flavorful foundation, while the chicken broth and half and half provide that luscious creaminess. Pasta shells act as little vessels for the sauce, and the broccoli adds a beautiful green pop that’s both nutritious and delicious.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, to build richness and gently sauté garlic for deep flavor.
- Garlic: 4 cloves minced, bringing fragrant warmth and a savory punch.
- Chicken broth: 2 cups, adds savory depth without weighing down the sauce.
- Half and half: 1 ¼ cups, delivers creamy silkiness without too much heaviness.
- Pasta shells: ½ lb. medium size, perfect for holding onto every bit of the sauce.
- Onion powder: ¼ teaspoon, a subtle layer of sweetness and complexity.
- Dried thyme: ¼ teaspoon, for a hint of earthiness that complements the broccoli.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon, essential to brighten flavors.
- Dried oregano: ½ teaspoon, adds a touch of herbal warmth.
- Dried parsley: ½ teaspoon, lends a gentle herbaceous note.
- Broccoli florets: 3 ½ cups uncooked, fresh and crisp to add texture and vibrant color.
- Lemon juice: 2 teaspoons, a zing that wakes up the whole dish.
- Parmesan cheese: ¾ cup finely grated, brings sharp umami and melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Optional Fresh parsley: for garnish, provides a pop of green and fresh aroma.
- Optional garlic bread with cheese: a perfect side to soak up every last bit of creaminess.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
Start by melting your butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and gently sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. This step infuses the butter with that irresistible garlicky aroma that forms the foundation of the sauce.
Step 2: Add Broth and Herbs
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the onion powder, thyme, salt, oregano, and parsley. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing the herbs to unfold their flavors into the broth.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Shells
Add the pasta shells directly to the simmering broth and cook until they are just tender, typically about 10 minutes. Cooking the pasta in the broth infuses it with extra flavor and reduces the number of pots you have to clean!
Step 4: Incorporate Broccoli and Half and Half
Once the pasta is nearly done, stir in the fresh broccoli florets along with the half and half. Let the sauce thicken slightly and the broccoli soften just enough to keep a little bite without losing its bright green color.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parmesan
Remove the pan from the heat and gently fold in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts into the warm sauce creating irresistibly creamy pasta, while the lemon juice adds a fresh zing that balances the richness.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Top your creamy broccoli pasta with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and a fresh herbal aroma. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese to keep the flavors vibrant.
Side Dishes
This dish beautifully pairs with crispy garlic bread, especially one with melted cheese, for a delightful contrast of textures. A simple spinach salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted cherry tomatoes also work exceptionally well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with lemon zest and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Alternatively, pack it in a shallow casserole dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil briefly for a bubbly golden crust that is utterly irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken when chilled, but blends back to creamy with gentle reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this creamy broccoli pasta, but it’s best to undercook the pasta slightly the first time around to avoid it becoming mushy later. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid the microwave to preserve the silky texture and prevent the broccoli from turning too soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While medium pasta shells are perfect for holding the creamy sauce, other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle will work wonderfully too, adapting the texture and experience slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it flavorful but vegetarian-friendly. The rich sauce and broccoli will still shine beautifully.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil, use a dairy-free cream alternative instead of half and half, and choose a vegan Parmesan substitute. The texture will change a bit but remain delicious!
How do I keep the broccoli bright green and crisp?
Adding broccoli towards the end of cooking and simmering just until tender keeps it vibrant and with a pleasant bite. Overcooking will dull the color and texture.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes make excellent additions, boosting both nutrition and flavor complexity while complementing the creaminess perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for when you want a deeply satisfying, comforting meal that doesn’t take all day. It’s simple, vibrant, and endlessly adaptable, making it a true staple for busy evenings or anytime you need a little kitchen magic. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta dish!
Print
Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Creamy Broccoli Pasta recipe is a delicious and comforting meal that combines tender pasta shells with fresh broccoli florets in a rich, flavorful sauce made from butter, garlic, chicken broth, half and half, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley, and brightened with a touch of lemon juice, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- ½ lb. medium pasta shells
Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
Vegetables and Cheese
- 3 ½ cups broccoli florets (uncooked)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Garlic bread with cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the medium pasta shells. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in onion powder, dried thyme, salt, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Incorporate Broccoli and Half and Half: Add the fresh broccoli florets to the skillet. Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp. Then stir in the half and half and lemon juice, allowing the sauce to warm through and slightly thicken.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta shells to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with the creamy broccoli sauce.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. Optionally, enjoy with garlic bread with cheese on the side.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melt.
- To save time, use pre-cut broccoli florets.
- You can substitute half and half with heavy cream for a richer sauce or with milk for a lighter option, though the sauce will be less creamy.
- Be careful not to overcook the broccoli; it should be tender but retain some crispness.
