Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli is a rich and cheesy side dish featuring tender broccoli florets coated in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. This easy stovetop recipe takes only 20 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal comforting addition to weeknight meals or holiday dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Blanch Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2–3 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender.
- Shock Broccoli: Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is melted and smooth.
- Season Sauce: Add onion powder, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all flavors.
- Toss Broccoli in Sauce: Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and gently toss to coat the florets evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Heat Through: Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the broccoli is heated through and fully coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve the creamy garlic Parmesan broccoli warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
- Frozen broccoli can be used as an alternative; thaw and drain well before blanching.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan broccoli, broccoli side dish, cheesy broccoli, quick broccoli recipe, stovetop broccoli, healthy vegetable side, garlic parmesan sauce
