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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli

A delightful dish that transforms broccoli into a creamy, garlic-infused favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Blanch the broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli and blanch for 2–3 minutes until vibrant green. Drain and transfer to an ice bath.
  2. Sauté the garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Create the cream sauce: Pour in heavy cream, stirring well. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken.
  4. Incorporate the cheese: Gradually add Parmesan cheese while stirring until melted. Adjust thickness with water or broth if needed.
  5. Season to taste: Stir in onion powder and red pepper flakes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Combine the broccoli and sauce: Toss the blanched broccoli in the creamy sauce, heating through for another 2–3 minutes.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute half and half for heavy cream. Experiment with adding proteins like chicken or shrimp.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic broccoli, creamy broccoli, vegetarian side dish, comfort food, healthy recipes