20 Minute Parmesan Pasta With Broccoli Recipe
This 20 Minute Parmesan Pasta with Broccoli is a creamy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Spiral pasta is cooked directly in a luscious parmesan cream sauce alongside vibrant broccoli florets, creating a flavorful one-pan dish that’s both simple and satisfying. The combination of garlic, oregano, and fresh parsley adds aromatic depth, while the cheese and butter enrich every bite. Ready in just 20 minutes and serving six, this recipe is ideal for a quick, wholesome dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces spiral pasta
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into small florets
Sauce and Seasoning
- 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
- Prepare broccoli: Cut the broccoli into small florets. Place them in a colander and pour boiling water over to blanch, then immediately pour cold water over to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and seasonings: Heat a large deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, crushed garlic, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
- Add flour and liquids: Sprinkle in the flour and stir thoroughly to combine. Slowly add the vegetable stock and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Cook pasta and broccoli: Add the uncooked spiral pasta and blanched broccoli to the pan. Stir to coat evenly with the sauce. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Finish with cheese and herbs: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, butter, and fresh chopped parsley until the cheese melts and the sauce is rich and creamy. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Blanching broccoli before adding to pasta ensures it stays bright and crisp.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the skillet.
- If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute dairy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, but it may be less rich.
