One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta

$- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli) - 4 cups broccoli florets - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - Coconut cream for dairy-free option - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic (minced) - Seasoning options: onion powder and Italian herbs To make One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta, you need simple ingredients. First, select your pasta. Penne and fusilli are great choices. They hold sauce well and cook evenly. Next, you need fresh broccoli florets. The vibrant green adds nutrition and color to the dish. Vegetable broth is key. It infuses flavor into the pasta. Heavy cream adds richness. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream gives a nice twist. You cannot forget seasonings! Olive oil brings depth. Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor. Onion powder and Italian herbs enhance the taste. Salt and pepper are must-haves to round out the dish. With these ingredients, you set the stage for a creamy, delicious meal. Each element plays a role, making it easy to create a fantastic dish everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Make sure it smells nice but does not burn. 3. Next, add 8 oz of uncooked pasta, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs to the pot. Mix everything well. 1. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. 2. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is gone. 3. Now, add 4 cups of broccoli florets to the pot. Gently stir them in. 4. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) and mix to combine. 1. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender and the sauce to thicken a bit. 2. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. 3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 4. If you like some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving. To cook pasta just right, avoid overcooking. Start with a large pot of boiling water. Add salt for flavor. Cook the pasta until it's al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. Stir the pasta often to keep it from sticking. This helps it cook evenly. To boost the taste, try adding spices like garlic powder or red pepper flakes. You can also mix in extra veggies like spinach or peas. Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, add bright flavors. Dried herbs work too, but fresh herbs give the best taste. For a great plate presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Add a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh taste. Pair it with a light salad or a glass of white wine for a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only adds vibrant color but also enhances the flavor and texture of the dish. Look for firm, bright green florets for the best quality. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking pasta until it's al dente allows it to maintain a slight bite, which helps it hold up better in the creamy sauce and prevents it from becoming mushy. Customize the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of cream or coconut cream to your preference. For a lighter dish, use less cream, or try adding a splash of vegetable broth to thin it out. Add Protein: Consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform this pasta into a heartier meal, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Just swap the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without any dairy. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many brands available that taste great. Feel free to add other vegetables to your pasta. Peas, spinach, or bell peppers mix well with broccoli. You can also get creative with herbs and spices. Try using fresh basil or a pinch of smoked paprika for a new taste. Want to make it heartier? Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or beans. Chicken gives a nice protein boost and pairs well with the creamy sauce. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a seafood twist. Beans like chickpeas or white beans offer a plant-based protein option. Adding protein can turn this dish into a filling meal. After enjoying your one-pot creamy broccoli pasta, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing. This helps avoid moisture buildup. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Divide the pasta into portions before freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date for easy tracking. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you have two main options: microwave or stovetop. The microwave is quick but can make the pasta dry. To keep it creamy, add a splash of water or broth before reheating. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. The stovetop method is slower but gives better results. Heat a pan over low heat and add the pasta. Stir in a little cream or broth to maintain creaminess. Heat until warm, stirring often. In the fridge, your creamy broccoli pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it smells sour or looks off, it's best to toss it. Look for any changes in texture or color too. If you notice mold, throw it away. Keeping an eye on your leftovers helps you enjoy them safely. This dish is quick! It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. In total, you'll spend about 25 minutes from start to finish. That means you can whip up a tasty meal in no time. Yes, you can! Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies. Here are some great options: - Spinach - Peas - Zucchini - Bell peppers These choices add color and flavor. You can even use frozen vegetables if you're short on fresh ones. Absolutely! This pasta is great for meal prep. To store it, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it, just reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. If you want a lighter sauce, you can swap heavy cream with: - Coconut cream - Cashew cream - Almond milk These options keep the dish tasty while cutting down on fat. This blog post gives you a clear guide to making creamy broccoli pasta. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips. With simple techniques and tasty variations, you can make this dish suit your taste. Remember, cooking is fun and allows you to be creative. Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe and share it with friends. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
4 cups 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 pepper
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
to taste red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the uncooked pasta, vegetable broth, onion powder, and Italian herbs to the pot. Mix well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add the broccoli florets to the pot and stir them in. Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and stir gently to combine.
Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If using, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for additional heat.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

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