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Creamy Broccoli Pasta: Anyone Can Master This


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  • Author: Aaron recipes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Anyone can master this truly Creamy Broccoli Pasta. This recipe uses a simple, foolproof technique with Boursin (or cream cheese) and heavy cream to create a velvety, restaurant-quality sauce that perfectly coats every noodle and broccoli floret.


Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta1 large head broccoli, cut into medium florets2 tablespoons butter3 cloves garlic, minced5.2 ounces Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs)1/2 cup heavy cream1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook accordingto package directions.2. In the last 2 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch them.3. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli.4. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.5. Add the entire wheel of Boursin cheese to the skillet. Use a whisk to break it up and melt it into the butter.6. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth.7. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the cream sauce.8. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together vigorously for 1-2 minutes over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta completely.9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

Boursin cheese is a fantastic shortcut as it’s already seasoned with garlic and herbs, adding instant depth. If you can’t find it, use 4 ounces of plain, softened cream cheese and add 1/2 tsp dried oregano.Do not boil the sauce after adding the cream; keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent it from separating.The starchy pasta water is the key to making the sauce cling to the pasta. Don’t skip it!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course,Dinner
  • Method: Boiling,Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American,French-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg