Description

This Easy One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta is a simple, comforting meal that combines tender pasta, flavorful garlic butter, and nutritious broccoli florets all cooked together in one pot. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe infuses the pasta with rich flavors and finishes with optional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a deliciously creamy and satisfying dish.

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 (for a little heat)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil and butter: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and combined with the oil.
Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
Add pasta: Stir in the pasta, coating it well with the garlic butter mixture to enhance flavor absorption.
Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to start cooking the pasta.
Add broccoli and continue cooking: Add the broccoli florets to the pot, and let everything simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the pasta reaches al dente texture and the broccoli is tender.
Adjust liquid if necessary: If the pasta absorbs most of the liquid before fully cooking, add a little more broth or water to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Incorporate cheese and seasonings: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (if using), and season the dish with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
Finish and combine: Remove the pot from heat and stir well until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta creamy and evenly.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta, then serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use any pasta shape you prefer, but shorter pasta like penne or fusilli works best to hold the sauce.
For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
If you prefer a vegan version, omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
To add more protein, consider stirring in cooked chicken or beans after cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.