Go Back
Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Creamy Broccoli Pasta – One Pot!

Pasta shells in a luxurious buttery Garlic Parmesan sauce with fresh herbs and broccoli. A complete, flavor-packed one-pot meal ready in under 30 minutes!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 495
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/4 cups half and half
  • 1/2 lb medium pasta shells about 8 oz
  • 3 1/2 cups broccoli florets cut into small pieces
  • 2 tsp lemon juice fresh
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated from a block
Seasonings
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • Box Grater
  • Silicone Spatula

Method
 

  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
    4 Tbsp unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic
  2. Add chicken broth, half and half, and all seasonings (onion powder, thyme, salt, oregano, parsley). Stir and bring to a boil.
    2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 1/4 cups half and half, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  3. Add the dry pasta shells, submerging them. Once boiling again, reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer according to package directions, stirring occasionally.
    1/2 lb medium pasta shells
  4. During the last 6 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Stir, re-cover partially, and cook until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender.
    3 1/2 cups broccoli florets
  5. Remove pot from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice.
    2 tsp lemon juice
  6. Let cool for 1 minute, then gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently until melted and the sauce is creamy.
    3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  7. Let stand for 2-3 minutes to thicken, then serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Critical Pro Tip: For a perfectly smooth sauce, always grate your own Parmesan cheese from a block and add it off the heat. Pre-shredded cheese will not melt properly.