Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

 

Ingredients

• 300g pasta of your choice (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli work well)

• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan twist)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional: red pepper flakes, grilled chicken, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets to blanch them. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

2. Sauté the Garlic:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Make the Sauce:
   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

4. Combine Everything:
   Toss the drained pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the sauce. Mix until the pasta is well coated and the broccoli is evenly distributed.

5. Serve and Enjoy:
   Garnish with more Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flair. Serve immediately and watch it disappear from the plates!