Imagine a dish so irresistibly delicious that it transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences. This Easy Cheesy Garlic Broccoli Pasta is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines the comforting warmth of perfectly cooked pasta, the vibrant crunch of fresh broccoli, and the mouthwatering allure of melted cheese and garlic. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family racing to the dinner table and asking for encore performances!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli florets by washing them thoroughly and cutting into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the boiling pasta water to blanch them simultaneously.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with garlic and olive oil. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pasta and broccoli, stirring to help the cheese melt and create a light, creamy coating.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the mixture seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with additional cheese if desired.
Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Don't be shy with salt—it should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta from the inside.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook pasta until it's just tender with a slight bite. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and ruins the entire dish.
- Garlic Timing is Crucial: Sauté garlic quickly to release its flavor without burning. Burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin the entire dish.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is liquid gold for creating a silky sauce. It helps cheese melt smoothly and binds the ingredients together.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Remove the skillet from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure a creamy, smooth coating.
- Quick Serving: Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and the pasta is hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
