Creamy Broccoli Pasta – One Pot: 35-Minute Comfort Food

Oh, let me tell you about my absolute go-to for busy weeknights: Creamy Broccoli Pasta – One Pot! Seriously, this dish is a game changer. It’s so simple and packed with flavor, you won’t believe how quickly it comes together. Picture this: tender pasta shells drenched in a rich, creamy sauce, complemented by vibrant broccoli florets, all made in just one pot! It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a culinary genius without the hassle of a million dishes to wash afterward.

This recipe is a family favorite because not only does it taste fantastic, but it also warms my heart knowing I can whip it up in around 35 minutes. After a long day, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies! I love how the garlic and Parmesan blend together, creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills the house. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Broccoli Pasta, it’ll become your new weeknight hero! Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish.

Ingredients List

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1¼ cups half and half
• ½ lb medium pasta shells
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• 3½ cups broccoli florets, uncooked (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated (grate from a block for optimal melting)

How to Prepare Creamy Broccoli Pasta – One Pot

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking! Making this Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a breeze, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar as you whip it up in no time. Just remember to gather all your ingredients first; it makes everything so much easier. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by measuring all your ingredients. Prepping ahead of time is a lifesaver! This way, you won’t be scrambling to find garlic while the butter’s melting. Chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets so they cook quickly and evenly.

2. In a large skillet (or a big pot if you prefer), melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. As it melts, the buttery aroma will fill your kitchen—just wait! Once the butter is all melted and bubbly, toss in the 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Don’t let it brown, or it’ll turn bitter!

3. Next, stir in 2 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you’re going for vegetarian) and 1¼ cups of half and half along with all those delicious seasonings: ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon dried parsley. Give it a good stir to combine everything.

4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add in the ½ pound of medium pasta shells. Make sure to submerge them fully in the liquid. At this point, partially cover the skillet to help everything cook evenly. Follow the package instructions for the pasta, usually around 10-12 minutes. But here’s the trick: add the 3½ cups of uncooked broccoli florets during the last 6 minutes of cooking. This way, the broccoli stays vibrant and tender without getting mushy. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking together!

5. When your pasta is cooked to perfection, remove the skillet from the heat. Add in 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for a pop of brightness. Now, gently fold in ¾ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese with a silicone spatula. The sauce will thicken as it sits, creating that creamy goodness we all love!

6. Finally, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like, and serve with some cheesy garlic bread on the side. Trust me, it’s the perfect pairing! Enjoy your delightful one-pot meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to Creamy Broccoli Pasta – One Pot, you can enjoy a hearty meal without the guilt! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving:

• Calories: 495 kcal
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 71 mg
• Sodium: 866 mg
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Protein: 17 g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But what’s great is that you’re getting a balanced meal packed with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of veggies. Talk about a win-win!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This Creamy Broccoli Pasta comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
• One-Pot Wonder: With everything cooked in one pot, you’ll save time on both cooking and cleanup. Less mess means more time to enjoy your delicious meal!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy sauce, garlic, and fresh broccoli creates a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vibrant broccoli and made with wholesome ingredients, this pasta is a fantastic way to sneak in those essential veggies without sacrificing taste.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite proteins like chicken or sausage, or switch up the herbs to make it your own!

Tips for Success

Getting that perfect Creamy Broccoli Pasta – One Pot is all about a few simple tips that make a world of difference! First off, don’t skip the prep work. Having all your ingredients measured and ready to go will make the cooking process a breeze. It saves you from last-minute scrambling and keeps things smooth sailing.

When it comes to the broccoli, cut it into smaller florets so they cook quickly and evenly. You want that bright green color and a bit of crunch, not mush! And speaking of cooking, keep an eye on your pasta as it cooks. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and don’t forget to add the broccoli during the last 6 minutes—the timing is key!

For the best flavor and texture, always grate your Parmesan cheese fresh from the block. Pre-shredded cheese can lead to a grainy sauce, which we definitely want to avoid. And when mixing in the cheese, do it off the heat to prevent separation—trust me, you want that creamy goodness to stay intact!

Lastly, if you want to jazz things up a bit, feel free to experiment with different herbs or add in some cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein. These little tweaks can elevate your dish while keeping it true to its delicious roots!

Variations

One of the best things about Creamy Broccoli Pasta – One Pot is its versatility! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or pantry. For a different flavor kick, try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of dried. Just toss them in at the end for that vibrant freshness!

If you’re in the mood for a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful zing. Or, if you love a bit of zest, consider adding some lemon zest along with the juice for an extra layer of brightness.

Feeling like a protein boost? You can toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for a heartier dish. And for a vegetarian option, why not add some cannellini beans or chickpeas? They’ll not only enhance the protein content but also make your meal even more filling. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Creamy Broccoli Pasta – One Pot is super easy! Once it’s cooled down to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly; you want to preserve that creamy goodness!

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze. I recommend using the microwave for convenience, but do it gently to avoid overcooking the pasta. Pop it in for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If the sauce has thickened too much, don’t fret! Just add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to loosen it up while you reheat. This keeps the texture creamy and delicious, just like when it was fresh. Enjoy every comforting bite!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making this delicious Creamy Broccoli Pasta – One Pot? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:

Q1: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make a dairy-free version, simply swap out the half and half for a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. For the cheese, look for a dairy-free Parmesan substitute, and you’ll still get that creamy goodness without the dairy!

Q2: What type of pasta works best?
While I love medium pasta shells for this recipe, you can certainly use other shapes like fusilli or farfalle. The key is to choose a pasta that will hold onto that luscious sauce and mix nicely with the broccoli.

Q3: Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This dish is all about flexibility. Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for the vegetables you choose to add.

Q4: How do I store leftovers properly?
To store your Creamy Broccoli Pasta, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat gently in the microwave to keep that creamy texture intact!

Q5: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, but I recommend adding the broccoli right before serving to maintain its color and crunch. Just heat everything up together when you’re ready to enjoy!

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Hopefully, these answers help you feel more confident about making this amazing one-pot dish. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out! Happy cooking!

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