A quick and creamy broccoli cheese pasta recipe that kids will love. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a nutritious and flavorful meal in under 40 minutes.
Author:Emily
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces Dried Pasta (pipe rigate or shells)
2 cups Broccoli florets, chopped
2 tablespoons Butter or margarine
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
2–3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice plus zest
3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
1/4 cup Pine Nuts (or toasted walnuts/almonds)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Add broccoli to the pasta water during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking.
While pasta and broccoli cook, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until foamy (3-5 minutes).
Add pine nuts to the skillet and sauté for about 4 minutes until golden brown.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
Drain the cooked pasta and broccoli. Transfer them to the skillet with the pine nut and garlic mixture.
Toss everything together for about 2 minutes to combine flavors.
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in lemon zest and juice, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce.
Serve immediately, with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, use margarine instead of butter.
Walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pine nuts.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
For a vegan version, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese and a vegan butter substitute.