Creamy Broccoli Pasta (only 20 minutes!)

Name: Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 10 oz penne; 1 head broccoli; 1/2 cup cream cheese; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream*; 2 tbsp grated mozzarella; 2 tbsp grated parmesan; 1 cup water; 1 tsp vegetable broth; 2 tsp butter; salt and pepper* ((to taste))

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Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Looking for a delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than my creamy broccoli pasta recipe. With the perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender broccoli, and al dente pasta, this dish will become a new staple in your household!

Why You’ll Love My Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Quick & Easy: In just 20 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table. My broccoli pasta simplifies your dinner routine without sacrificing flavor, perfect for your busy lifestyle.
Nutritious: With broccoli as the star, you’re getting a boost of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s a tasty way to include more green vegetables in your diet.
Versatile: Dress it up or down—to your own taste. Whether you want to add proteins like chicken or keep it vegetarian, this dish caters to all.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can enjoy my easy meal. Its familiar flavors and creamy texture appeal to even the pickiest eaters.
And Budget-Friendly: Made with basic ingredients, this recipe won’t have you scouring specialty shops. It’s a cost-effective way to eat healthily and heartily.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta
Broccoli
Cream cheese
Grated mozzarella
Grated parmesan
Whipped cream
Vegetable broth
Butter
Salt and pepper

You will find the exact quantities below in the recipe card.

How To Make the Best Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Step 1

Begin by thoroughly rinsing your broccoli and chopping it into uniform pieces. Heat a large skillet and melt some butter in it, then sauté the broccoli florets for about 5 minutes until they are vibrant and slightly softened.

Step 2

Next, deglaze with water and vegetable stock and simmer for a few minutes. In the meantime, prepare the penne according to the packet instructions.

Step 3

Now add the whipped cream, cream cheese, parmesan and mozzarella and mix everything together well. Bring to the boil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Transfer the al dente penne into your broccoli and cheese sauce, combining them thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, adjust the consistency with a bit of the reserved pasta water until you achieve the perfect creaminess.

Step 5

Serve the pasta hot, plating it up right away to enjoy the ultimate creamy texture and full flavor.

You will find all the ingredients you need for the recipe below in the recipe card.

Recipe Tips

Pasta Choice: Opt for pasta shapes that will hold the sauce well, such as penne or fusilli.
Broccoli Prep: Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets to ensure they cook evenly and integrate well with the pasta.
Seasoning: Season the water with salt when boiling the pasta, and don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning of the final dish before serving.

Last but not least, reserve some pasta water. A cup of starchy pasta water can work wonders in adding smoothness to your sauce, allowing it to adhere nicely to the pasta.

FAQ

What are some traditional Italian herbs to add to broccoli pasta?

Adding herbs to your broccoli pasta can elevate the dish with a taste of Italy. Consider stirring in fresh basil or oregano for a classic flavor, or if you like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders.

What are some protein options to include in a broccoli pasta recipe?

You have a variety of protein options to complement your broccoli pasta. Grilled chicken breast or sautéed shrimp are popular choices. For a vegetarian alternative, white beans or chickpeas add a protein boost and a creamy texture.