Broccoli Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Cream

Broccoli Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Cream is a comforting, creamy pasta dish that pairs the rich, velvety smoothness of classic Alfredo sauce with the vibrant freshness of broccoli. This dish is the perfect marriage of indulgence and nutrition — a luxurious garlic cream sauce coats tender pasta and bright green broccoli florets, creating a meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.

Unlike heavy Alfredo versions, this one is balanced — the garlic adds a bold depth, while the broccoli lightens the richness and brings a subtle earthy sweetness. It’s a comforting dinner that feels both decadent and fresh — the kind of meal that leaves you perfectly satisfied without being overly heavy.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a beautiful harmony of flavor and comfort. The sauce is luxuriously creamy, buttery, and garlicky, yet the addition of broccoli brings freshness and texture that balances everything.

It’s also incredibly versatile — perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, a meatless Monday dinner, or even a side dish for roasted chicken or seafood.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it gives you the best of both worlds — creamy indulgence and nutritious vegetables.

It’s perfect for anyone who loves Alfredo pasta but wants to make it a bit lighter and more wholesome without sacrificing flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings

• Serves 4 people

Calories (per serving)

• Approximately 530–560 kcal

Cuisine

• Italian-American

Course

• Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne pasta
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Broccoli Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for slight heat)
• ¼ cup pasta cooking water (to thin sauce if needed)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook the pasta and broccoli, prepare a garlic butter cream sauce, combine everything with Parmesan cheese, and toss until creamy and smooth.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets directly into the boiling pasta water.
4. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds, until fragrant (don’t brown it).
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir gently.
4. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly and the cheese melts into a creamy consistency.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the garlic cream sauce.
2. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
3. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until creamy and smooth.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

How to Serve

Serve Broccoli Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Cream hot, in deep pasta bowls.
It pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• A crisp Caesar salad or green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• A chilled glass of white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)

It’s a perfect standalone meal or can be served alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or baked salmon.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the broccoli — it should stay bright green and tender-crisp.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts better and gives superior flavor.
• Stir the sauce continuously while simmering to avoid curdling.
• If the sauce thickens too much, add a few tablespoons of pasta water or milk.
• For a lighter version, replace half the cream with milk or vegetable broth.

Variations

1. Chicken Broccoli Alfredo: Add grilled or shredded chicken breast for extra protein.
2. Shrimp Alfredo: Toss in sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
3. Spinach Alfredo: Add baby spinach with the broccoli for more greens.
4. Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté mushrooms with garlic before adding the cream.
5. Vegan Alfredo: Use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Freezing:

• Not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce (it can separate upon thawing).
• If necessary, freeze for up to 1 month and thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently with a bit of added cream.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for pasta)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater
• Tongs or pasta fork

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Thaw it first, pat it dry, and add it during the last 2 minutes of cooking the sauce.

Q2: What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine, penne, or rotini are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce well.

Q3: Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead, refrigerate it for up to 2 days, and reheat gently before adding pasta.

Q4: How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free.

Q5: How can I make it lower in calories?
Use half-and-half instead of cream and reduce the cheese slightly — it’ll still be creamy and delicious.

Conclusion

Broccoli Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Cream is the ultimate comfort food that combines the creamy richness of Alfredo with the wholesome goodness of broccoli. It’s satisfying, elegant, and wonderfully easy to make — a dish that delights both pasta lovers and vegetable enthusiasts alike.

Every forkful delivers buttery garlic notes, smooth creaminess, and the fresh bite of tender broccoli — it’s a balance of flavors that feels luxurious yet light. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe turns a simple evening into something special.