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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli transforms fresh broccoli into a rich and flavorful side dish with a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a quick, family-friendly recipe perfect for adding indulgence to healthy greens, ready in under 30 minutes and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and cut fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. Blanch the broccoli in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp-tender and vibrant green. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and light golden, taking care not to burn the garlic to keep its flavor sweet and mellow.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Allow it to reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes to thicken the base, then fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and rich.
  4. Combine Broccoli and Sauce: Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet, coating each floret evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to marry the flavors.
  5. Serve Immediately: Transfer the creamy garlic Parmesan broccoli to a serving dish. Optionally sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs on top before serving warm.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor and better melting texture.
  • Do not overcook broccoli; keep it crisp-tender to maintain texture and color.
  • Cook garlic slowly over medium heat to avoid burnt taste.
  • Adjust cream quantity to reach your preferred thickness of sauce.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning of salt and pepper as you go for best balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli, creamy garlic Parmesan, side dish, easy recipe, healthy, vegetable, low carb

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-broccoli/