Broccoli Alfredo (Simple & Creamy)

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Broccoli Alfredo is what happens when comfort food grows up a little. Creamy, familiar, and satisfying but anchored by a vegetable that brings freshness and balance to the plate. The broccoli isn’t there to decorate the pasta; it’s there to carry the dish.

For many people, Alfredo sauce is tied to indulgence. But when paired generously with broccoli, it becomes something more grounded. The sauce softens the vegetable, while the broccoli lightens the richness. It’s a quiet reminder that vegetables don’t have to replace comfort they can improve it.

In the Let’s Veg lifestyle, broccoli Alfredo represents progress, not restriction. You’re not giving anything up. You’re simply letting vegetables take up more space, more often. Familiar flavors stay familiar they just work a little harder for your body.

Olivia

Broccoli Alfredo (Simple & Creamy)

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Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy pasta dish made with tender broccoli, garlic, and a simple Alfredo-style sauce for comforting vegetable-forward meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 378

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta fettuccine, penne, or your choice
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup milk cream, or plant milk
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan or plant-based alternative
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • Nutmeg pinch
  • Lemon zest
  • Red pepper flakes

Equipment

5 Quart Pot
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soup pot with lid
Frying Pan
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Frying Pan

Cooking Instructions
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  3. Add broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
  4. Drain and set aside.
  5. Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
  6. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Pour in milk or cream and simmer 3-4 minutes.
  8. Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
  9. Add a pinch of nutmeg if using.
  10. Simmer until slightly thickened.
  11. Add pasta and broccoli to the sauce.
  12. Toss gently until coated.
  13. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 378kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 15gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 51mgPotassium: 503mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 524IUVitamin C: 61mgCalcium: 128mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Extra veggie-forward: increase broccoli or add spinach
Dairy-free: use plant milk + nutritional yeast
Creamier without cream: blend some broccoli into the sauce
Grow-it-yourself: broccoli thrives in cool seasons

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