One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

I recently prepared a one pot creamy broccoli pasta with penne, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. The fresh broccoli and rich heavy cream combine with just the right hint of broth for a satisfying meal. It instantly recalled a Moms Creamy Broccoli Pasta recipe that my family adores indeed.

I recently stumbled upon a one pot wonder that totally changed my mid week dinner routine. This One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a game changer.

I tossed in some 12 oz of penne pasta with a tablespoon of olive oil and minced 3 cloves of garlic, then added a head of broccoli cut into florets (about 3 cups) to the mix. It simmers all together with a cup each of heavy cream and chicken broth giving it a rich, creamy texture that’s hard to resist.

Just before serving, I stir in a cup of grated Parmesan cheese and season it with salt and pepper with a pinch of red chili flakes if you’re into a little heat. I love how this recipe merges the simplicity of healthy pasta dishes with a burst of flavor that reminds me of classic broccoli pasta recipes.

Its ease in preparation makes it perfect for busy families and anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it comes together super fast and keeps things simple; I don’t have to wash a bunch of extra dishes which really saves me time.
I also love how creamy the sauce is and how the Parmesan and garlic mix with the broccoli to create a flavor that feels home-cooked and satisfying.
It’s great for those nights when I want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, and the way all the ingredients meld together just makes the dish feel really comforting.
Plus, there’s something about how the heat from the red chili flakes (if I add a pinch) just gives it that little kick that makes every bite interesting.

Ingredients

• Pasta: A hearty carb that gives you energy and holds the creamy sauce well.
• Olive oil: Provides healthy fats and a rich, smooth flavor that ties the dish together.
• Garlic: Adds a bold, savory kick while boosting taste and offering some antioxidants.
• Broccoli: Crunchy and fibrous with essential vitamins, making your meal both healthy and filling.
• Heavy cream: Gives a velvety texture and indulgent richness without being too overpowering.
• Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, savory boost with protein, making every bite extra yummy.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli work great)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets (about 3 cups)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth (or your favorite veggie broth)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of red chili flakes if you like a little heat

How to Make this

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook it for about a minute until it smells really good.

2. Add the dry pasta, heavy cream, and chicken or veggie broth to the pot. Give it a quick stir.

3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat so it simmers gently.

4. Toss in the broccoli florets (you can also add a pinch of red chili flakes if you want a little kick) and stir it well.

5. Let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick and cooks evenly.

6. When the pasta is almost al dente and the broccoli is tender, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir everything together until the sauce thickens up a bit.

8. Check the pasta and broccoli to make sure they’re cooked to your liking, and adjust the seasoning if needed.

9. Turn off the heat and let the dish sit for a minute so all those yummy flavors combine together.

10. Serve your One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta hot and enjoy a quick, delicious dinner with your family!

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot
2. A wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. A knife
6. A cutting board
7. A cheese grater (if your Parmesan isn’t already grated)

FAQ

One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the pasta, you can try using spaghetti or rigatoni instead if you’re feelin adventurous
• If you don’t have olive oil, you might use avocado or canola oil as a good swap
• Instead of heavy cream, half and half or even coconut cream can work, but expect a slightly different flavor
• For the chicken broth, vegetable broth or a mix of water with a bouillon cube would do the trick
• If you run out of Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are also great options

Pro Tips

1. When you cook the garlic be sure to stir it constantly so it doesn’t burn, cuz burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish and you’ll end up with a bitter taste.

2. Keep an eye on the pasta while it simmers. I mean, sometimes it cooks faster than expected so you gotta check on it to avoid mushy pasta.

3. If your sauce seems too thin, a little extra Parmesan at the end can help thicken it up, but make sure you stir it well so it blends in smooth.

4. Try adding a little extra salt and pepper at the end. The flavors sometimes need a pick-me-up after simmering, and it makes all the difference in taste.