Creamy Broccoli Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
2 tablespoons butter
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
03 -
1 yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
→ Vegetables & Pasta
05 -
500 grams fresh broccoli, chopped into bite-sized florets
06 -
16 ounces ditalini pasta
07 -
1/2 cup reserved pasta water, for silky sauce texture
→ Creamy Sauce Components
08 -
2 cups heavy cream
09 -
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
10 -
8 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
11 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Begin by melting butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a teaspoon of salt to draw out their flavors.
02 -
Add your chopped broccoli to the skillet and continue sautéing for another 5 minutes. You want the broccoli to become tender while maintaining its vibrant green color. Season with another teaspoon of salt to layer the flavors.
03 -
Pour the heavy cream into your skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Then add the shredded mozzarella, stirring continuously until it melts completely into a smooth, velvety sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
04 -
While your sauce is coming together, cook your ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until perfectly al dente. Before draining, remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
05 -
Add your drained pasta directly to the skillet with the broccoli and creamy sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water and gently toss everything together until each piece of pasta is beautifully coated with the sauce.
06 -
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and incorporates into the sauce, creating even more richness and depth of flavor.
07 -
Serve your creamy broccoli pasta right away while it's still hot and the sauce is at its most luscious. Garnish with additional Parmesan and a twist of black pepper for the perfect finishing touch.
# Notes:
01 -
The starchy pasta water helps create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to every piece of pasta
02 -
For best results, shred and grate your cheeses fresh rather than using pre-packaged versions