29/04/2023, 16:09 Broccoli Pasta - Chelsea's Messy Apron

Broccoli Pasta
This Broccoli Pasta is ridiculously flavorful and couldn't be easier or quicker to make!
Put dinner on the table in 20 minutes or less with a meal the whole family will go
crazy for!

Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Vegetarian
Keyword broccoli pasta

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 4 servings
Calories 356kcal
Author Chelsea Lords
Cost $5.62

Ingredients
270g rotini pasta uncooked
284g chopped broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Fine sea salt & pepper
28g unsalted butter
7g minced garlic
2g Italian seasoning
1g onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme (optional)
229g low-sodium chicken broth
232g heavy whipping cream
70g Parmesan cheese Note 1
Optional: red pepper flakes, 1 lemon, finely chopped parsley

Instructions
1. PREP: Chop fresh broccoli into small florets. If using frozen, let it stand out for a few minutes and then
give it a quick coarse chop. Measure and set aside.
2. PASTA: Set a large colander in the sink with a glass mug in the center of the colander (so you don't
forget to grab some pasta water before draining!). Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Generously salt
the water (I add 2 teaspoons salt) and then cook the pasta according to package instructions-- minus 1
minute from what the package indicates. Two minutes before draining time, add in the broccoli florets.
Right before draining, use the glass mug to remove a big scoop of pasta water (set aside for now) and
then drain the pasta. Don't rinse under cool water.
3. GARLIC: Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan (that will need to fit all the pasta and broccoli), heat the butter.
Once melted, add garlic and all the seasonings. Season with salt and pepper (I add 1/4 teaspoon of
each) Cook until golden, stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth; it
should sizzle and boil. Scrape up any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Once this 1/2 cup is
mostly evaporated, add in the other 1/2 cup. Stir.

https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/broccoli-pasta/ 1/2
29/04/2023, 16:09 Broccoli Pasta - Chelsea's Messy Apron

4. CREAM SAUCE: Add in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese and stir to mx. Simmer over medium
heat, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes or until sauce thickens up and slightly reduces. The sauce
shouldn't boil-- reduce heat/stir more frequently if needed.
5. TOSS: Once you have a thick and creamy sauce, add the drained pasta and broccoli. Use tongs to toss
ingredients into the cream sauce until the sauce thickens and nicely coats the pasta, 1-2 minutes. If the
sauce is too thick, slowly add in that set-aside pasta water. Taste and adjust, adding more salt/pepper to
taste. Add in some lemon zest to taste if desired.
6. SERVE: Serve immediately. Top individual plates with a touch more Parmesan if you like, and fresh
parsley. Add red pepper flakes and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to individual plates as desired. Enjoy
immediately! Pasta is best enjoyed right after being tossed!

Notes
Note 1: Parmesan Cheese: Grab a block of Parmesan and grate it on the small holes of a grater. Alternatively
use finely grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan from the can will be too salty and won't melt into the sauce
nicely.

Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 58.2g | Protein: 18.3g | Fat: 5.8g | Cholesterol: 10.8mg |
Sodium: 306.5mg | Fiber: 4.6g | Sugar: 3.6g

https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/broccoli-pasta/ 2/2