Description
This creamy broccoli pasta is rich, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for a comforting dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz short pasta (such as orecchiette, penne, or ziti)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 head of broccoli (cut into small florets and thin-sliced stems (about 3 cups total))
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sliced stems and sauté for about 2 minutes, just until they start to soften slightly. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Use a slotted spoon to remove the broccoli and garlic and set aside.
- Pour the milk and chicken broth into the same pot. Stir in the salt, a few cracks of black pepper, the chopped parsley, and lemon zest. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then add the pasta and stir to separate the pieces. Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- When the pasta is nearly done, stir the broccoli and garlic mixture back in and let it warm through for the final 1 to 2 minutes of cooking. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Finish with the lemon juice and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or lemon zest on top.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins to this dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg