Description

This creamy and comforting Broccoli Pasta recipe combines tender pasta shells with fresh broccoli florets in a rich sauce made from butter, garlic, chicken broth, half and half, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley, and brightened with a touch of lemon juice, this dish comes together quickly in a single skillet, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

4 Tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 ¼ cups half and half
½ lb. medium pasta shells

Seasonings & Herbs

¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried parsley

Vegetables & Cheese

3 ½ cups broccoli florets, uncooked
2 teaspoons lemon juice
¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Measure out all ingredients prior to starting, practicing mise en place. Cut the broccoli into smaller florets so they cook evenly and more quickly during the pasta cooking process.
Sauté Garlic: Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and half and half, then add onion powder, dried thyme, salt, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Stir to combine the mixture thoroughly.
Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring the liquid to a boil. Add the pasta shells, submerging them fully. Reduce heat to a simmer, partially cover the skillet, and cook according to the pasta package instructions. Add the broccoli florets during the last 6 minutes of cooking. Occasionally run a silicone spatula along the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.
Check Pasta Doneness: Remove the cover and taste a piece of pasta to test doneness. If needed, cover again and cook a little longer until pasta reaches your preferred texture.
Finish with Lemon and Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and gently fold in the finely grated Parmesan cheese with a silicone spatula. The sauce will thicken as it stands.
Serve: Garnish the pasta with extra parsley if desired. Serve immediately, optionally alongside garlic bread with cheese for a complete meal.

Notes

Cutting broccoli into small florets allows it to cook evenly and quickly alongside the pasta.
Running a silicone spatula along the bottom helps prevent pasta from sticking and burning.
The sauce thickens upon standing, so serve promptly or be ready for a heartier texture.
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Freshly grated Parmesan yields better melting and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American