One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta

$- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne or fusilli work well) - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for dairy-free) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (like basil, oregano, or thyme) - Salt and black pepper, to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan) - Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat When you cook this dish, fresh broccoli makes a big difference. Frozen broccoli can work, but fresh has better flavor and texture. If you want to make this dish dairy-free, just swap heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. You can also change the pasta type based on what you have. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are great options. Just be aware that cooking times may vary. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heating olive oil and sautéing garlic Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant and golden, but not brown. 2. Cooking pasta with broth, herbs, and spices Next, add 8 ounces of uncooked pasta to the pot. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Stir this well to coat all the pasta. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. The pasta should cook until it is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. 3. Adding broccoli and cream to thicken the dish After the pasta is done, add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Gently fold them in to mix. Then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option). Stir everything together. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove the pot from heat, then stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust the flavor with salt and black pepper to your liking. If you want some spice, add red pepper flakes on top before serving. - Achieving the perfect al dente pasta: Cook the pasta in the broth. Boil it for about 10 minutes. Stir often. Check it a minute before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard. - Ensuring broccoli retains its vibrant color: Add the broccoli florets at the end of cooking. This helps them stay bright green. Cook them for just a few minutes, so they stay crisp and colorful. - Best practices for creamy consistency: Use heavy cream or coconut cream. Stir it in gently after adding the broccoli. Let it cook for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce. Adding grated cheese will also make it creamier. - Presentation ideas for a visually appealing dish: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls. Top it with extra grated cheese. Add fresh herbs for color. A lemon wedge on the side adds a nice touch. - Suggested side dishes or accompaniments: Pair this dish with a simple green salad. Garlic bread or toasted baguette also works well. These sides balance the creamy pasta nicely. - Ideal serving temperature for maximum flavor: Serve the pasta hot. This keeps the sauce creamy and delicious. If it cools down, the sauce can get too thick. Enjoy it right away for the best taste! Pro Tips Cooking Pasta Perfectly: Make sure to cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce. This helps prevent mushy pasta. Cream Alternatives: If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream to keep it creamy without the calories. Flavor Boost: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic, allowing it to reduce before adding the broth. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. {{image_4}} You can easily change this recipe to fit your needs. For a vegan option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Swap grated Parmesan for nutritional yeast to keep it dairy-free. If you need gluten-free pasta, choose gluten-free penne or fusilli. Want a zesty twist? Add lemon zest for a bright flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can give your dish a fresh taste. You can also try different spices, like smoked paprika, for a warm kick. You can prepare this dish in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Just sauté the garlic in the pot first. Then add the pasta, broth, and seasonings. Cook for 4 minutes under high pressure, and then carefully release the steam. After that, stir in the broccoli and cream. Feel free to mix in different vegetables, like spinach or peas. You can also add proteins, like cooked chicken or shrimp. This dish is flexible and allows for many flavors. Each variation can make your meal unique and fun to try! To store leftover One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the pasta fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to help it stay creamy. Heat it gently over low heat, stirring often. This way, you keep all the delicious flavors intact. If you want to freeze the creamy pasta, do it right after it cools. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. The pasta can last in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw it, move it to the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove with a little liquid to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving it straight from the freezer, as it may not heat evenly. How long does One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta last in the fridge? This dish can last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prep and cook this pasta ahead. Just reheat it gently before serving. What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Other choices include almond milk or cashew cream. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you like. Spaghetti or shells work well too. How do I adjust the recipe for larger servings? To serve more people, simply double the ingredients. Keep the same cooking time for best results. What to do if the sauce is too thick? If the sauce is too thick, add a little vegetable broth or water. Stir gently until you reach your desired consistency. This blog post covered everything you need for making One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and useful tips for the best results. You learned how to store leftovers and variations for different diets or flavors. Experimenting with new ingredients and techniques can lead to tasty surprises. Keep these tips in mind to enjoy your pasta, and don’t hesitate to try your own twists in the kitchen. Happy cooking!$

One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring creamy sauce and fresh broccoli.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
to taste Salt and black pepper
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
to taste Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant and golden, taking care not to let it brown too much.
Next, incorporate the uncooked pasta along with the vegetable broth, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs into the pot. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the pasta to cook until it reaches al dente texture and the majority of the liquid is absorbed.
After the pasta is cooked, gently fold in the broccoli florets, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Then pour in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and stir to combine everything gently.
Continue cooking the mixture for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the creamy sauce has thickened slightly.
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper according to your taste preference.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick before serving.

Notes

Dish out the creamy pasta into shallow bowls. A generous sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh herbs will add a vibrant touch. For a refreshing twist, place a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the dish just before enjoying.

Keyword broccoli, creamy, one-pot, pasta, vegetarian