Description
Creamy broccoli pasta blends Italian comfort with wholesome ingredients for a quick weeknight dinner. Green florets meld perfectly with al dente noodles, creating a satisfying meal you can savor in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ lb (226 g) medium pasta shells
- 3 ½ cups broccoli florets, uncooked
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 tbsps (56 g) butter
- 1 ¼ cups (296 mL) half and half
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsps lemon juice
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather ingredients and chop broccoli into uniform bite-sized florets for consistent cooking and efficient preparation.
- Flavor Foundation: In a spacious skillet over medium heat, melt butter until golden and aromatic, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Liquid Integration: Whisk chicken broth, half and half, onion powder, thyme, salt, oregano, and parsley into a smooth, harmonious base.
- Pasta Immersion: Submerge pasta shells in the simmering liquid, bringing to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and partially cover the skillet.
- Combined Cooking: Simultaneously cook pasta according to package guidelines while introducing broccoli florets during the final six minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Texture Verification: Sample a pasta shell to confirm perfect al dente consistency, adjusting cooking time if needed.
- Final Touches: Remove skillet from heat, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and gently fold in Parmesan cheese using a soft spatula to create a luxurious, creamy sauce.
- Serving Presentation: Allow sauce to slightly thicken during a brief resting period. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside crispy cheese-topped garlic bread for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Chop Precisely: Cut broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets to guarantee even cooking and prevent uneven texture.
- Butter Browning Technique: Melt butter slowly until it turns golden and releases a nutty aroma, enhancing overall flavor depth.
- Liquid Integration Trick: Whisk broth, half and half, and seasonings thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended sauce without lumps.
- Final Flourish: Rest the dish briefly after cooking to allow sauce to thicken naturally and develop richer, more intense flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg