Description
This creamy Broccoli Pasta recipe combines tender pasta shells with fresh broccoli florets in a rich, garlicky sauce made from butter, chicken broth, half and half, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a comforting and delicious one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main 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 onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 3 ½ cups broccoli florets (uncooked, cut into smaller pieces)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated into a powder
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting. This mise en place step ensures a smooth cooking process. Cut the broccoli into smaller florets so they cook rapidly with the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant, taking care not to brown it.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and half and half, then stir in the onion powder, dried thyme, salt, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Add the medium pasta shells, submerging them fully. Cover partially and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Add the broccoli florets during the last 6 minutes of cooking. Occasionally run a silicone spatula along the pan bottom to prevent sticking.
- Check Doneness: Remove the cover and test a pasta shell for texture. If still firm, cover and continue cooking until desired tenderness is achieved.
- Finish Sauce: Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, then gently fold in the finely grated Parmesan cheese using a silicone spatula. The sauce will thicken as it stands.
- Serve: Garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve immediately with garlic bread topped with cheese for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use medium pasta shells for best texture and sauce absorption.
- Cut broccoli into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking with pasta.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or half and half to loosen it.
- Parmesan cheese should be finely grated for smooth melting into the sauce.
- Stirring occasionally while cooking prevents pasta from sticking to the skillet.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread topped with melted cheese for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
