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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat, ensuring ample space for pasta to cook evenly.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain thoroughly in a colander, then return pasta to the original pot.
- Immediately add butter to the hot pasta, allowing it to melt completely and coat each noodle with a rich, silky layer.
- Incorporate steamed broccoli florets into the buttery pasta, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.
- Season the mixture with garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper, gently tossing to blend flavors uniformly.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and broccoli, stirring gently to create a creamy, savory coating.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately while the pasta remains hot and the cheese begins to slightly melt.
- 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