Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Cooking Method: Boiling, Saute

Courses: Dinner, Lunch

Servings: 3

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This creamy and cheesy broccoli pasta is the ultimate cozy comfort meal that comes together quickly and easily. It’s rich, smooth, and loaded with flavor from a garlicky cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta. Finished with a golden crunchy topping, every bite has the perfect mix of creamy and crispy textures. It’s simple, satisfying, and ideal for busy weeknights when you want something warm, comforting, and delicious

Ingredients

1½ cup Penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)
2 tbsp Butter
1 tbsp Oil
4 cloves Garli (minced (divided))
1 small Onion (finely chopped)
¾ cup Fresh broccoli (crowns and stems) (roughly chopped small)
2 cup Milk
4 tbsp Cream cheese
¼ cup Parmesan (grated)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the crunchy topping:

2 tbsp Olive oil
¼ cup Breadcrumbs
1/8 cup Parmesan (grated)
1 tsp Garlic powder
Salt (to taste)
1 tbsp Fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

1
Cook pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant and slightly burnt. Then, add the chopped onion and broccoli. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3
Pour in the milk and add the cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the mixture begins to bubble.
4
Mix in the parmesan cheese, followed by the reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in the cooked pasta, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
5
In a separate pan, heat olive oil over low heat. Add the ingredients for the breadcrumb topping (as listed) and stir continuously for even cooking. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crunchy.
6
Top the pasta with the crunchy breadcrumb topping. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Note

• Reserve pasta water before draining as it helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Cook broccoli just until tender to keep a slight bite and avoid mushiness.
• Stir continuously after adding dairy to prevent the sauce from splitting or becoming lumpy.
• Toast the breadcrumb topping on low heat until golden for the perfect crunchy finish.

Read it online: https://munchymoodz.com/recipe/creamy-broccoli-pasta/