Dreamy Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delectable garlic butter broccoli pasta can turn an ordinary weeknight into a culinary adventure.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with robust flavors in this simple dish.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction for hungry souls seeking comfort.

Broccoli adds a nutritious punch, while garlic infuses each bite with irresistible depth.

Butter creates a luxurious coating that makes every forkful feel indulgent.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without complicated techniques.

You can have dinner ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.

One pan means less cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your delicious creation.

One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta Made Easy

• Simplify Cooking: Prepare a delicious meal using just one pot, minimizing cleanup and kitchen mess while maximizing flavor and convenience.
• Nutritious Comfort: Combine protein-packed pasta with fiber-rich broccoli, creating a balanced dish that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients in every bite.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Craft a crowd-pleasing meal that takes minimal preparation time, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast and tasty solution that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the recipe by adding protein like chicken or shrimp, experimenting with different cheese types, or incorporating additional seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta Feast

• Pasta: A classic wheat or gluten-free noodle that serves as the hearty foundation of this one-pot dish.
• Salt: An essential seasoning that enhances the overall flavor of the pasta during cooking.

• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds a fresh, slightly crisp texture and provides extra health benefits to the meal.

• Butter, Garlic Powder: Ingredients that create a rich, savory taste and aromatic base for the pasta.
• Black Pepper: A spice that adds a subtle warmth and depth to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A classic Italian cheese that brings a salty, nutty flavor and creamy finish to the pasta.

Instructions for One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Place pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain the pasta completely and return it to the same pot, creating a blank canvas for your delicious dish.

Step 2: Transform Broccoli

• Microwave steamer bag
• Boiling water in a separate pot

Ensure broccoli is tender but still maintains a vibrant green color and slight crunch.

Step 3: Melt Buttery Goodness

Add butter to the warm pasta, stirring gently until it completely melts and coats every single pasta strand. The heat from the pasta will help create a silky, smooth texture.

Step 4: Create Flavor Explosion

• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly, ensuring each pasta piece is generously seasoned with the aromatic spices.

Step 5: Sprinkle Cheesy Delight

Generously shower Parmesan cheese over the pasta and broccoli.

Toss everything together until the cheese melts slightly and creates a creamy, irresistible coating.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Transfer the pasta to serving plates immediately.

Enjoy the warm, comforting blend of pasta, broccoli, butter, and cheese while it’s hot and fresh.

Secrets to Creamy One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta

• Roast broccoli florets in the oven before adding to pasta for a deeper, nuttier taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Swap regular butter with cream cheese or add a splash of heavy cream to create a richer, more luxurious sauce.
• Toss in grilled chicken, canned tuna, or white beans to transform this simple pasta into a complete and filling meal.
• Replace regular pasta with gluten-free varieties made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary needs.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle kick that brings extra excitement to the basic recipe.

Variations to Refresh Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta

• Protein Power Pasta: Add grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein and a hearty meal.
• Mediterranean Magic: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Kick Pasta: Incorporate red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, and a dash of hot sauce to create a spicy variation.
• Creamy Alfredo Style: Replace Parmesan with a quick homemade alfredo sauce using heavy cream, cream cheese, and garlic for a richer texture.

Pairing Ideas to Complement Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the garlic butter's richness and cut through the creamy Parmesan notes.
• Enhance with Herb Bread: Serve a crusty garlic bread or herbed focaccia alongside the pasta to soak up the delicious butter sauce and add textural contrast.
• Create Protein Balance: Top the pasta with grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp to transform this side dish into a complete, protein-packed meal that satisfies hunger.
• Refresh with Citrus Salad: Prepare a light lemon-dressed mixed green salad with arugula to provide a bright, tangy counterpoint to the pasta's creamy, savory flavors.

Best Methods to Keep Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying.

Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through.

Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain it before adding to the pasta to prevent excess water.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This pasta dish is vegetarian-friendly and doesn’t require any meat ingredients.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add some cooked chicken, canned tuna, or white beans to boost the protein content and make it more filling.

• Can I substitute the type of pasta?

Definitely! You can use any pasta shape like penne, rotini, or farfalle that you prefer or have on hand.

Easy One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic butter broccoli pasta delivers comfort and convenience in a single skillet. Quick weeknight dinner packed with flavor, this simple dish brings together wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box (16 ounces / 454 grams) spaghetti or pasta of choice
• 1 bag (12-16 ounces / 340-454 grams) frozen steamed broccoli (or fresh)

Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 stick (1/2 cup / 113 grams) butter
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat, ensuring ample space for pasta to cook evenly.
2. Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. While pasta cooks, simultaneously steam broccoli florets in a separate steamer or microwave-safe dish until bright green and tender-crisp, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Once pasta is cooked, drain thoroughly in a colander, then return pasta to the original pot.
5. Immediately add butter to the hot pasta, allowing it to melt completely and coat each noodle with a rich, silky layer.
6. Incorporate steamed broccoli florets into the buttery pasta, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.
7. Season the mixture with garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper, gently tossing to blend flavors uniformly.
8. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and broccoli, stirring gently to create a creamy, savory coating.
9. Transfer to serving plates immediately while the pasta remains hot and the cheese begins to slightly melt.
10. Serve as a quick, comforting one-pot meal that combines simplicity with satisfying flavors.

Notes

• Customize pasta thickness by choosing different shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle for varied texture and visual appeal.
• Enhance protein content by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers for extra color and vitamins.
• Adapt for dietary restrictions by using gluten-free pasta, dairy-free butter alternative, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for vegan and gluten-sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg