Creamy Broccoli Pasta Quick Easy Comfort Dinner

A quick and easy creamy broccoli pasta recipe, perfect for a comforting dinner.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Resting Time 5

Total Time 30

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings bowls

Equipment

Stovetop

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1.25 cups half and half
0.5 lb medium pasta shells
0.25 teaspoon onion powder
0.25 teaspoon dried thyme
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon dried parsley
3.5 cups broccoli florets
2 teaspoons lemon juice
0.75 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for best melting and flavor.

Instructions

Prepare and measure all ingredients and cut broccoli into small pieces.
Melt butter over medium heat and cook garlic until fragrant.
Add chicken broth, half and half, and seasonings then bring to a boil.
Add pasta and cook partially covered while stirring occasionally.
Add broccoli during the last 5 to 6 minutes of cooking.
Cook until pasta is tender and sauce reduces slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
Add Parmesan cheese slowly and mix until smooth.
Let the sauce rest briefly to thicken before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor. Avoid adding cheese when the sauce is too hot to prevent grainy texture. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt smoothly. Try blending Parmesan with Asiago or Romano for deeper flavor. Sauce thickens as it rests after cooking. Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl

Keyword comfort food, Creamy Broccoli Pasta, Easy Dinner, Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!