For a quick and indulgent pasta fix, make this 20 Minute Parmesan Pasta with Broccoli. It’s honest to goodness easy, tasty and one your whole family will love. Great for those quick evenings when you want something delicious but time isn’t on your side. Pasta for the win!
Hello! Finally making it around here to share this 20 Minute Parmesan Pasta with Broccoli. I know, I’m falling behind on my new recipe schedule this week. But this dish is worth the wait. Much like my Creamy Broccoli & Penne Pasta, it’s a crowd pleaser.
I’ve been focused on updating some new photos on a few old recipes that’s been long over due. Then the more you look, the more you see. It’s kind of like cleaning your house. It all starts with wiping door handle and then eight hours later you’re still at it…hahaha! I’m sure we’ve all been there. Am I right?
So, as much as I’ve been trying to get these new recipes out this week, I’ve been “house cleaning”, so so speak. I’ve had to tell myself that there’s no way in the world I can redo the entire first years of the Blog and good enough will have to be good enough. But I’ll keep at it and eventually, maybe just maybe, I’ll get it done. Or not.
Meanwhile, today, I’m bringing you this quick easy and delicious pasta dish. At our place, we love pasta dishes. Pasta goes on our dinner table once every single week. And a favourite is always creamy pasta dishes. And if you haven’t checked out my One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta dish, you’ll love that one too! Also, my kids lobe the Bowtie Pasta & Broccoli Bake.
Ingredients To Make The 20 Minute Parmesan Pasta with Broccoli
Staring with all fresh and basic ingredients. Follow along the easy recipe to see how you too can make from scratch pasta sauces. They are easier than you think and use well known ingredients that you won’t be searching the exotic isle for at your local supermarket. Let’s make some pasta!
NOTE: FULL RECIPE IS ALWAYS AT THE BOTTOM
Cut The Broccoli Really Small
For this dish, you really want to cut the broccoli small. These are really small florets. After you cut them, put them in a colander and blanche them by pouring over boiling water and then cold water.
WHY ARE WE BLANCHING THE BROCCOLI
Well, the simple answer for this recipe is that it reduces the cooking time as well as helps keep the broccoli crisper in the the grand finale.
Make The Sauce
This is a super easy but deliciously creamy sauce. Remember, the full recipe is at the bottom.
The sauce just takes minutes to put together and you’re gonna want to try it out.
You literally just add the olive oil to the pan with the garlic and the herbs. Stir it for a minute and the add the flour to make a paste.
The Sauce will Bubble up Like This
It’s going to quickly bubble up like this, then you add all the stock and the cream. Start whisking until it’s smooth. Bring it to a simmer and it will start to thicken.
Add The Broccoli And Uncooked Pasta
What’s great about this dish, is we are adding the uncooked pasta to the sauce. Yes! So toss in the pasta and the broccoli, Give it a quick stir, reduce heat to medium low and cover it for 12 – 15 minutes. Easy.
NOTE: Through this cooking process, you will want to stir it a couple of times to prevent sticking.
Add the Finishing Touches
Now, we add the butter, parmesan and fresh parsley. Give it a really good stir and get it on the dinner table.
Dinner is Ready
And just like that, The 20 Minute Parmesan Pasta with Broccoli is on the table. Great just as it is or serve a salad on the side to a bigger dinner.
Take a look through the Salad Section of the blog for more side dish ideas. You might find something refreshing to go on the side.
Can I use Other Types of Pasta For this Dish
Yes, you absolutely can. I make pasta at least once a week and I use whatever I have in the cupboards. So just because you see spirals in the picture, doesn’t mean you can’t use something else. Penne, spaghetti and tagliatelle would all work great as well.
If You Love Creamy Pasta Dishes, Here’s More
- One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Chicken, Leek & Broccoli Oven Pasta
- Buttery Lemon Pasta
- Creamy Parpadelle with Asparagus
- Easy Stove Top Mac & Cheese
- Spring Pasta Casserole
- Macaroni & Cheese
- Lemon Pasta with Spinach
Well friends, that’s it for today. And because I’m running behind schedule this week, it doesn’t mean I won’t get the third recipe out this week. Yes, it will be on the blog tomorrow! So, come back and see what’s cooking.
Have a great Saturday and keep on cooking.
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Get The Recipe!
20 Minute Parmesan Pasta with Broccoli
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spiral pasta
- 1 head of broccoli cut into small florets
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 Teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon onion powder
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 4 Cups vegetable stock
- 1 1/2 Cups heavy cream
- 1 Cup parmesan cheese finely grated
- Small bunch fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli into small florets. Put them in a colander, pour over boiling water and then pour over cold water. Set aside.
- In a large deep sided skillet set over medium to high heat, add the olive oil, garlic and all the dried seasonings and herbs. Stir well and let cook for about a minute. Add the flour and stir really well.
- Add the vegetable stock and cooking cream to the pan. Whisk really well to prevent any lumps. Bring to a simmer and let thicken for 1- 2 minutes.
- Add the uncooked pasta and broccoli and stir really well to completely coat. Cover and leave to cook for about 12-15 minutes. Stir a few times through cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Reduce heat to low and add the Parmesan cheese, butter and fresh parsley. Stir well and serve.
*A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.
Notes
- Any kind of pasta will work in this dish.
- You can substitute fresh basil for the parsley if that’s what your have. I don’t recommend finishing the dish with dried parsley as it doesn’t give the same flavour as fresh herbs.
- Can top with extra parmesan for serving if desired.
- This dish is best served fresh.
Thanks For Stopping By And Hope To See You Soon!
Can you add tuna to this dish?
Hi Kelly, I’ve not added tuna to this. But I think it would work. I would recommend you add it just before serving for best results. I hope this helps!
Do you know what would be the best way if using frozen broccoli?
Hi Sarah, Allow the broccoli to defrost first and then add it to the dish in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Hope this helps. Alternatively, you could add it from frozen towards the beginning of cooking.