Description
The ultimate easy cleanup recipe! This One Pot Broccoli Pasta cooks the pasta, broccoli, and a creamy, savory sauce all in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a 20-minute meal that’s hearty, delicious, and saves you from a sink full of dishes.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil1 small yellow onion, finely diced3 cloves garlic, minced1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)12 ounces medium pasta shells (or rotini, penne)1 head broccoli, cut into very small florets4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)1/2 teaspoon kosher salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper1/2 cup heavy cream1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil.2. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.3. Add the uncooked pasta, small broccoli florets, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper to the pot.4. Stir well to combine. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.6. Remove the lid and turn off the heat.7. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.8. Serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Cutting the broccoli into very small florets is crucial. This ensures they cook to a tender-crisp texture in the same amount of time as the pasta.Stirring occasionally is important to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.If the sauce seems too thin after cooking, let it sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes. The pasta starches will continue to thicken the sauce as it cools slightly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
 - Cook Time: 15 minutes
 - Category: Main Course,Dinner,One Pot
 - Method: One Pot,Simmering
 - Cuisine: American
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
 - Calories: 480 kcal
 - Sugar: 5 g
 - Sodium: 550 mg
 - Fat: 22 g
 - Saturated Fat: 10 g
 - Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
 - Trans Fat: 0 g
 - Carbohydrates: 56 g
 - Fiber: 5 g
 - Protein: 16 g
 - Cholesterol: 45 mg
 
