Name: One-Pot Creamy Healthy Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini work well); 4 cups fresh broccoli florets; 4 cups water or vegetable broth; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Juice of 1/2 lemon

One-Pot Creamy Healthy Broccoli Pasta

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This is a quick, one-pot recipe for creamy broccoli pasta that tastes rich but stays light. It is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers comfort food flavor without complicated steps.

Author: purejoyalex
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Total Time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound pasta (penne or rotini work well)
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
4 cups water or vegetable broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of 1/2 lemon

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Instructions

Place the pasta, broccoli florets, water or broth, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) into a large pot or Dutch oven.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Check the pasta for doneness; it should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed.
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream (or evaporated milk), Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Taste the pasta and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve this easy broccoli pasta immediately for a satisfying weeknight pasta meal.

Notes

For a cheesier version, substitute 1/4 cup of the cream with cream cheese or use a sharp cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan.
If you prefer a lighter sauce without dairy, you can substitute the cream with 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water mixed with 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
To make this a complete meal, add cooked chicken or white beans during the last five minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 5
Sodium: 580
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 9
Unsaturated Fat: 9
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 80
Fiber: 8
Protein: 22
Cholesterol: 35

Find it online: https://purecookingjoy.com/easy-one-pot-creamy-broccoli-pasta/