One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) spaghetti noodles
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 stick of unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Boil the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Steam the Broccoli:
- While the noodles are cooking, steam the broccoli. You can use a steamer basket or a microwave-safe dish with a bit of water.
- Steam the broccoli until it’s tender yet still vibrant green. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture:
- In the same pot used for boiling the noodles, melt the stick of butter over low heat.
- Once melted, return the drained noodles to the pot and toss them in the butter until well-coated.
- Combine with Broccoli:
- Add the steamed broccoli to the pot with the buttered noodles.
- Gently toss the noodles and broccoli together until evenly distributed.
- Season and Cheese:
- Sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper over the noodles and broccoli. Toss again to combine.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and forms a creamy sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste.
- Serve:
- If the mixture seems a bit dry, you can add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve the one-pot garlic Parmesan broccoli pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and easy one-pot meal! This recipe is not only budget-friendly but also quick to make, making it perfect for busy households.
