Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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This Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is a simple pasta recipe that is perfect for those busy weeknights.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Creamy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Servings: servings

3 cups pasta
1 broccoli cut into florets
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 garlic minced
1 sweet onion diced
1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half {or milk for a less creamy sauce}
1/2 cup cream cheese {you can omit this for less creamy pasta sauce and just use the cream or try Greek yogurt in its place}
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper {optional}
1/2 cup walnuts chopped {you can omit or use pine nuts or silvered almonds}
1 teaspoon lemon juice
parsley for garnish
Lemon zest for garnish

Remove the broccoli stem and chop its head into florets.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and broccoli and cook until al dente.
When the pasta is done cooking reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta and broccoli. Set aside.
In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and saute for 3-4 minutes.
Remove the garlic and onion from heat and add cream cheese, heavy cream, grated parmesan, salt, ground pepper, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper and chopped walnuts. and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
Gently fold in the cooked broccoli and pasta.
Add the reserved pasta water as need to thin out the pasta sauce.
Serve warm with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.

Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to three days.
You can leave out the cream cheese if you want or try Greek yogurt in its place. The cream cheese makes it extra creamy.