Description
This creamy Broccoli Pasta recipe pairs tender pasta with rich sauce and broccoli for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces Cavatappi pasta (or any short pasta)
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- ⅔ cup button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup half and half
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Sauté the vegetables
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and sauté until fragrant. - Prepare the sauce
Add heavy whipping cream, half and half, and tomato sauce. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. - Add broccoli
Add chopped broccoli to the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender but still vibrant. - Add cheese and remaining butter
Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing the sauce to thicken. - Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed. - Serve
Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
If the sauce gets too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of pasta water.
For a lighter sauce, replace half-and-half with whole milk.
Steam broccoli separately if you prefer firmer pieces.