Broccoli Sauce for Pasta

Transform your pasta nights with this creamy and flavorful broccoli sauce for pasta, a comforting, veggie-packed twist on traditional pasta sauces. This recipe is a perfect blend of tender broccoli florets, aromatic garlic and shallots, and rich Parmesan cheese, all delicately puréed with a splash of heavy cream and a hint of tangy lemon juice. The result is a velvety, nutrient-rich sauce that clings beautifully to your favorite pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy-to-make dish is ideal for busy weeknights and can be customized with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a crisp salad for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this broccoli pasta sauce is guaranteed to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 cups Broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 units Garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 unit Shallot (minced)
• 1 cup Vegetable broth
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 12 ounces Pasta (cooked, any type)
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 3 minutes or until tender but still bright green. Remove the broccoli using a slotted spoon and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shallot, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 3

Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes to warm up the broccoli.

Step 4

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the broccoli to absorb the flavors.

Step 5

Transfer the broccoli mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy; if the mixture is too thick, add a bit more vegetable broth until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 6

Return the sauce to the skillet and heat gently over low heat. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Add red pepper flakes if desired for a subtle kick.

Step 7

Toss the prepared broccoli sauce with cooked pasta, ensuring each strand is well coated. Serve immediately and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1271 grams (1271.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2368

Total Fat 139.90g	179%
Saturated Fat 72.10g	360%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 311mg	103%
Sodium 5484mg	238%
Total Carbohydrate 148.00g	54%
Dietary Fiber 16.20g	58%
Total Sugars 9.30g
Protein 124.90g	250%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2825mg	217%
Iron 7mg	41%
Potassium 890mg	19%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.6%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 25.2%