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One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta: Quick Weeknight Dinner

A close-up overhead shot of creamy broccoli pasta made with penne, coated in a green sauce and sprinkled with pepper.
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Make this satisfying, family-friendly creamy broccoli pasta in one pot. It is a quick dinner idea ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 1 large head of fresh broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with 1/2 cup milk for a lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Place the pasta, broccoli florets, vegetable broth, milk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) into a large pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir often during this time.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, butter, and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
  5. Taste the pasta and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  6. Serve immediately in bowls, topping each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For a lighter pasta dish, skip the heavy cream and use an extra 1/2 cup of milk, or substitute the cream with 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt stirred in off the heat for tang.
  • If you prefer a Lemon Broccoli Pasta flavor, omit the cream and cheese. Instead, stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the zest of one lemon, and 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice at the end.
  • This recipe is great for using up leftover cooked chicken if you want to add protein.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/broccoli-pasta-one-pot-creamy-quick-dinner/