Description
This One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a luscious creamy sauce made with Parmesan and cream cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in just 30 minutes, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (or more broth)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1.5 cups whole milk (or evaporated milk or half and half)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 (8-oz) box small pasta shapes (uncooked)
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook garlic: Heat olive oil in a large, deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add wine and lemon zest: Stir in the dry white wine and finely grated lemon zest, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by half to concentrate the flavors.
- Cook pasta: Add chicken broth, whole milk, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and season with salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked pasta. Reduce the heat to a strong simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for 7-8 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add broccoli: Stir in the chopped broccoli and cover the pan with a lid. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until both the pasta and broccoli are nearly tender. Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for another minute to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Finish dish: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and lemon juice until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the pasta immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
- If white wine is not available, use extra broth to maintain moisture and flavor balance.
- Use small pasta shapes like shells, elbows, or penne for best results as they cook evenly and hold sauce well.
- Feel free to add extra cream cheese for a richer sauce or reduce it for a lighter version.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute dairy products with plant-based milk and cheese, and use vegetable broth.
- Stirring frequently during pasta cooking prevents sticking and ensures creamy texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper at the end to control seasoning perfectly.
