Easy Pasta Con Broccoli
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this Easy Pasta Con Broccoli recipe—a creamy, comforting dish that comes together in just 30 minutes! Featuring al dente penne pasta and tender broccoli florets coated in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, this recipe balances rich, cheesy flavors with a touch of garlic and optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat. The combination of butter and olive oil ensures a luscious texture, while reserving pasta water allows you to achieve the perfect sauce consistency. Perfect for busy nights, this family-friendly dish requires minimal prep and uses simple pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Serve it as is or pair with crusty bread for a truly satisfying experience!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 quarts water for boiling pasta
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water (about 6 quarts) to a boil.
Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions for al dente, typically 9-11 minutes.
In the last 4-5 minutes of the pasta's cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the pot with the pasta. Cook until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli. Set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and broccoli are well-coated in the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3141 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 187.7 g | 241% | |
| Saturated Fat | 103.9 g | 520% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 502 mg | 167% | |
| Sodium | 2744 mg | 119% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 265.7 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.6 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 85.1 g | 170% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1033 mg | 79% | |
| Iron | 14.9 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 739 mg | 16% | |
*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.
