Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Broccoli Pasta, a quick and easy dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Featuring tender pasta and vibrant broccoli florets tossed in a velvety homemade Parmesan cream sauce, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. Highlights include a fragrant garlic and olive oil base, a buttery roux for a luxuriously smooth sauce, and a touch of chili flakes for a subtle kick, if desired. Ready in just 30 minutes and customizable with your favorite pasta shape, this creamy delight is finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that will quickly become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 g Pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 250 g Fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3 unit Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 0.5 tsp Chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. About 4 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Once cooked, drain both pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the flour to make a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes while whisking constantly.
Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1538 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 76.5 g | 98% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.3 g | 196% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 186 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 4004 mg | 174% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 149.3 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.9 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.9 g | ||
| Protein | 75.2 g | 150% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 1663 mg | 128% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1798 mg | 38% | |
*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.
