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One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta

Close-up of creamy broccoli pasta featuring penne, bright green florets, and grated Parmesan cheese.

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Make this simple, comforting broccoli pasta that cooks entirely in one pot. It features tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a rich, velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the pasta, broccoli florets, broth, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) into a large pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. When the pasta is nearly cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat.
  4. Stir in the butter, minced garlic, and heavy cream until the butter melts and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta and broccoli. This creates the velvety pasta sauce you want.
  6. Let the pasta sit, uncovered, for 2 minutes to allow the sauce to set further.
  7. Serve immediately in bowls, topping each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 2 minutes of simmering time to allow more liquid to evaporate.
  • You can add cooked, shredded chicken to make this a heartier meal.

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