Creamy Buttery Garlic Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Prepare for a delightful dining experience with our Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe. Combining tender broccoli and al dente pasta in a rich, smooth Parmesan sauce, this dish offers a fulfilling and cheese-filled meal perfect for any day of the week.
Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- Pasta shells
- Butter
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Half and half
- Seasonings (unspecified, so feel free to use your favorites, such as Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper)
- Broccoli
- Lemon juice
- Parmesan cheese (It’s advised to grate the cheese from a block for better melting and taste)
Instructions:
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth, half and half, and your chosen seasonings. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid, and bring it back to a boil. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, and add the broccoli in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Occasionally stir the pasta lightly with a silicone spatula to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Once cooked, remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice gently. Then, add grated Parmesan cheese and combine well. Note that the sauce will continue to thicken upon standing.
Pro Tips:
- For the best melting and taste, grate your Parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-grated or shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose which hinders the melting process.
- A blend of Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano cheese can also enhance the flavor.
- To avoid a grainy sauce, do not add cheese to an overly hot base, as this can cause the dairy to separate.
- This recipe is adaptable with similarly-sized pastas like Fusilli or Farfalle. Refer to the package for cooking times if you make a substitution.
- If adding chicken is preferred, look for a Chicken and Broccoli pasta recipe specifically.
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Note that the consistency of the dairy may slightly change upon reheating.
This one-pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta promises a delightful meal, perfect with garlic bread or cheddar bay biscuits. Enjoy your cooking!