Creamy Broccoli Pasta

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This creamy broccoli pasta makes a deliciously filling, fresh one-pot family meal ready in less than 20 minutes.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Creamy broccoli pasta

Servings:

Calories: 471kcal

Author: Katia

Ingredients

Cream cheese sauce

1 cup (approx 200 grams) cream cheese*
½ cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, grated
½ teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
½ teaspoon fine salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Pasta

4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
½ lb (8oz/220 grams) short pasta shape (cavatappi, spirali, fusilli...)
¾ lb (10oz/300 grams) broccoli florets, cut into small florets

Instructions

Add the cheese sauce ingredients to a medium-size bowl and stir until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Add water and salt to a large pot, bring to the boil, and add the pasta. The water should be just enough to cover the pasta.
In the last 5 minutes of the pasta cooking time, stir in the broccoli florets cut into small pieces (about 1-inch thick), cover with a lid, and cook over medium heat until tender. It should take about 4 minutes to get the broccoli done and the pasta al dente. Turn the heat off and remove from the stove.
Using a ladle, remove and discard the pasta water from the bottom of the pot leaving only about ½ cup of liquid.
Add the cheese mixture, toss until combined and creamy. Taste, adjust the seasoning and serve with freshly ground pepper and grated parmesan cheese if you wish. Enjoy.

Notes

Cream cheese: Either block or cream cheese tub can be used for this recipe.

Storage tips: you can store creamy broccoli pasta leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Leftover will dry out in the fridge, you need to add a splash of milk or water to bring back the creaminess while reheating and stirring on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition facts: the nutrition values are for one serving and they are based on an online nutrition calculator. However, it’s an estimate only and it should not be considered as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. Please see my disclosure policies.

Nutrition