Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Broccoli Ziti Pasta is a comforting yet refreshing dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any night of the week.

Tender broccoli florets and al dente ziti are tossed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce and topped with bright, zesty lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy your pasta cravings.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this creamy, flavorful pasta dish:

For the pasta:

• 12 oz ziti or rigatoni pasta
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

For the cream sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk or plant-based for a lighter option)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
• 1 tsp lemon zest (plus more for garnish)

For garnish:

• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a creamy pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor:

1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot with the pasta. This will soften the broccoli perfectly. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Make the Cream Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
   • Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, red chili flakes (if using), and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked ziti and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Serve:
   Plate the pasta and broccoli, and top with additional Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright, tangy finish.

Tweaks and Additions

Here’s how you can make this dish even more special:

• Protein Boost
  Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
• Cheese Upgrade
  Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or add a touch of cream cheese for extra richness.
• Veggie Twist
  Toss in spinach, asparagus, or peas for added greens.
• Gluten-Free Option
  Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a GF-friendly version.
• Vegan Version
  Replace butter with plant-based butter, cream with coconut cream, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.

This Creamy Broccoli Ziti Pasta is perfect for those nights when you want something comforting yet fresh. The lemon zest and broccoli balance the richness of the cream sauce, making it a well-rounded dish that’s both hearty and light.

Let me know how it turns out—happy cooking!