5.0 from 351 votes
Broccoli Pasta
This Creamy Broccoli Pasta has pasta shells smothered in a buttery Garlic Parmesan Sauce with herbs, a hint of lemon juice, and lots of broccoli!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 495 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian , American
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- ½ lb. medium pasta shells
- ¼ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, dried thyme, salt
- ½ teaspoon EACH: dried oregano, dried parsley
- 3 ½ cups broccoli florets uncooked
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese finely grated into a powder
Instructions
- Measure out all ingredients prior to beginning. (This is called “mise en place” and is a good idea for quick recipes.) Pro Tip: Cut the broccoli into smaller pieces so that they cook more quickly.
- Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth, half and half, and seasonings.
- Bring to a boil and add the pasta. Submerge the pasta into the liquid and let it return to a boil. Cook partially covered according to package instructions. Add the broccoli during the last 6 minutes. Run a silicone spatula along the bottom of the pan occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to it.
- Remove cover taste-test a pasta noodle for doneness before proceeding. If needed, cover and cook longer, until your desired doneness is obtained.
- Remove from heat. Add the lemon juice and use a silicone spatula to gently mix in the Parmesan cheese.
- Sauce will continue to thicken upon standing. Garnish with parsley and serve with garlic bread with cheese.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Pro Tips
- Pro Tips
- Storage:
- Nutritional information is an estimate and is per serving. There are 4 servings in this recipe.
- Grate the cheese from a block so that it melts and tastes the best. Packaged grated or shredded Parmesan cheese contains cellulose to prevent it from clumping together, which also prevents it from melting as well.
- A combination of Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano cheese tastes great as well.
- Don't add the cheese to a super hot base as this will cause the dairy to separate and the consistency will be grainy instead of smooth.
- Similarly-sized pastas may be substituted, refer to package for approximate cooking time. Examples include Fusilli (spiral) and Farfalle (bowtie).
- If you prefer to add chicken: Be sure to check out my Chicken and Broccoli pasta recipe!
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. The consistency of the dairy is altered slightly once reheated but I love heating it in the microwave for a quick lunch!
Nutrition Information
Calories
495kcal
(25%)
Carbohydrates
48g
(16%)
Protein
17g
(34%)
Fat
26g
(40%)
Saturated Fat
16g
(80%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
7g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
71mg
(24%)
Sodium
866mg
(36%)
Potassium
363mg
(10%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
783IU
(16%)
Vitamin C
12mg
(13%)
Calcium
335mg
(34%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 495
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 495kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 71mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 866mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 363mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 783IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 335mg | 34% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.