Description
This creamy broccoli pasta recipe is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pasta shells are cooked directly in a flavorful sauce made with butter, garlic, chicken broth, and half and half, then combined with fresh broccoli and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
Pasta and Vegetables
- ½ lb. medium pasta shells
- 3 ½ cups broccoli florets (uncooked, cut into small pieces)
Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Cheese
- ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated into a powder)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Measure out all ingredients to have them ready before cooking. Cut broccoli into smaller florets to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth and half and half, then stir in onion powder, dried thyme, salt, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Submerge the pasta shells into the boiling liquid. Cover partially and cook following the package instructions, typically about 10-12 minutes. Add the broccoli florets during the last 6 minutes of cooking. Stir occasionally with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking.
- Check Doneness: Remove the cover and taste a piece of pasta to check if it is done to your liking. If needed, cover and cook a bit longer until perfect.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice and gently mix in the grated Parmesan cheese using a silicone spatula, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve immediately, optionally with garlic bread topped with cheese.
Notes
- Cutting broccoli into smaller pieces ensures it cooks evenly and quickly in the pasta liquid.
- Use medium pasta shells to best absorb the creamy sauce.
- Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the pan and to distribute heat evenly.
- The sauce thickens as it stands, so serve soon after cooking for the best texture.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
