Broccoli Pasta with Creamy Garlic Dressing
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this mouthwatering Broccoli Pasta with Creamy Garlic Dressing, a quick and delicious recipe that combines wholesome ingredients with indulgent flavors. This one-pan wonder pairs tender pasta and vibrant, steamed broccoli with a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce that’s perfectly balanced with a splash of zesty lemon juice. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a fuss-free dish that feels like gourmet comfort food. The creamy dressing clings to every bite, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes adds a burst of freshness and heat. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving an easy, satisfying meal, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners in, it’s a family favorite you’ll make on repeat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Pasta (penne, fusilli, or any short pasta)
- 4 cups Broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes, until tender but still bright green. Set aside.
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Pour the heavy cream into the pan and stir. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Add the lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Toss the cooked pasta and steamed broccoli into the pan with the creamy garlic sauce. Use the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce if needed.
Mix everything well so the pasta and broccoli are evenly coated in the dressing.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
504 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.5 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.0 g | 85% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 876 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.7 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.2 g | ||
| Protein | 16.5 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 282 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 114 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
