Description
This Easy One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender broccoli florets and pasta are simmered together in a garlicky butter and broth sauce, creating a creamy, comforting dish with minimal cleanup. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a delicious and nutritious vegetarian pasta dish ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the fat: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is shimmering, forming the base for sautéing.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add pasta: Stir in the pasta, coating it thoroughly with the garlic butter mixture to infuse flavor into every strand or piece.
- Pour broth and bring to simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then raise the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to cook the pasta.
- Add broccoli and cook pasta: Add the broccoli florets to the pot. Continue to simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender but still vibrant.
- Adjust liquid if needed: If the pasta absorbs most of the broth and begins sticking to the pot before fully cooking, add a splash of extra broth or water to maintain moisture and prevent burning.
- Finish with cheese and seasoning: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (if using), and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if desired.
- Thicken the sauce: Remove the pot from heat and stir well to combine, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken to a creamy consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh note and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta, but shorter shapes like penne or fusilli work best for even cooking with the broccoli.
- Vegetable broth is a great alternative to chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
- For added protein, consider tossing in cooked chicken or chickpeas.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid a bitter taste.
- Adjust the amount of broth based on pasta type and desired sauce consistency.
- This dish reheats well; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the sauce.
