Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- ½ lb medium pasta shells
- ¼ teaspoon each of onion powder, dried thyme, and salt
- ½ teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried parsley
- 3 ½ cups broccoli florets, uncooked
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Instructions:
- Before starting, measure all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. (This preparation step is called “mise en place.”) Pro Tip: Cut the broccoli into small florets for faster cooking.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, and add the seasonings.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged. Once it returns to a boil, cook partially covered as per the pasta package instructions. Add the broccoli florets during the last 6 minutes of cooking. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.
- Test the pasta for doneness before removing from heat. If necessary, cook a bit longer until it reaches your desired texture.
- Once done, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Gently fold in the Parmesan cheese using a silicone spatula.
- The sauce will thicken as it sits. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside garlic bread for a delicious meal.
Storage:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. The texture of the dairy may change slightly after reheating, but it still makes a tasty quick lunch when microwaved!