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
Scale
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.
