Easy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta: Better Than Takeout
Easy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate 20-minute dinner. After making this countless times, I’ve discovered the trick to perfectly cooked broccoli and a creamy, garlicky sauce that’s better than takeout. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Ranch Potatoes and Easy Lemon Curd Chia Pudding.
Why This Easy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta: Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy garlic parmesan sauce in just 20 minutes
- Better than takeout flavor at home
- One pot for easy cleanup
What You'll Need for Easy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta: Better Than Takeout
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 12 oz pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: Reserved pasta water
- Optional: Fresh parsley or basil
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Any shape will do, but penne or fusilli work best.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Heavy-bottomed pot — Even heat for perfect pasta → See on Amazon
- Microplane zester/grater — Effortless garlic grating → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta: Better Than Takeout
- Cook pasta and broccoli: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Add broccoli for the last 2 minutes.
- Make garlic parmesan sauce: Sauté garlic, add heavy cream, simmer, then stir in parmesan.
- Combine and serve: Toss pasta, broccoli, and sauce together. Add reserved pasta water if needed. Serve with fresh herbs.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta: Better Than Takeout
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the broccoli. It should still have a bite to it when you drain it.
- Pro tip: Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Pro tip: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Storing & Reheating Easy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta: Better Than Takeout
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Pasta can be cooked ahead of time, but broccoli is best added just before serving.
Freezing Easy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta: Better Than Takeout
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Best substitution: Spinach or kale can be used instead of broccoli.
- Make-ahead: Cook pasta ahead of time, but add broccoli just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe easily doubles for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more cream or reserved pasta water.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality grater/zester — Makes quick work of grating garlic and parmesan → Check price on Amazon
Easy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta: Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Optional Toppings
- Reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Cook pasta and broccoli: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Add broccoli for the last 2 minutes.
- Make garlic parmesan sauce: Sauté garlic, add heavy cream, simmer, then stir in parmesan.
- Combine and serve: Toss pasta, broccoli, and sauce together. Add reserved pasta water if needed. Serve with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Best substitution: Spinach or kale can be used instead of broccoli.
- Make-ahead: Cook pasta ahead of time, but add broccoli just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe easily doubles for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more cream or reserved pasta water.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Make ahead: Pasta can be cooked ahead of time, but broccoli is best added just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sat. Fat: 17g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta: Better Than Takeout FAQs
Cook pasta ahead of time, but add broccoli just before serving.
Overcooking is the most common cause. Drain it earlier next time.
Yes, but it may need a little longer cooking time.
Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Yes, cook them separately and add at the end.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta: Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
