Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious, creamy, and slightly spicy pasta dish, you’ve come to the right place! This Creamy Garlic Broccoli Pasta with Red Pepper Flakes is a perfect blend of rich, cheesy goodness with the freshness of broccoli and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes.
Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal, this recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition, making it a fantastic choice for both pasta lovers and those who enjoy a healthy twist in their meals.
Table of Contents
What is Creamy Garlic Broccoli Pasta with Red Pepper Flakes & Why You’ll Love It?
This Creamy Garlic Broccoli Pasta with Red Pepper Flakes is a rich and satisfying dish that balances savory, creamy, and spicy flavors in every bite. The buttery garlic sauce, tender broccoli, and al dente pasta create a harmony of flavors, while the red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔ Easy & Quick – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
✔ Healthy Twist – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fresh broccoli.
✔ Creamy & Spicy – The perfect balance of garlic-infused creaminess and a kick of spice.
✔ One-Pan Wonder – Simple ingredients and minimal cleanup!
✔ Customizable – You can add chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for extra protein.
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
Unlike traditional pasta dishes, this Creamy Garlic Broccoli Pasta with Red Pepper Flakes stands out because of:
- The bold flavor combination of garlic, parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
- A luscious homemade creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Fresh broccoli, which adds a healthy crunch and vibrant color.
- Customizable spice level – Adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (chopped)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Extra parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings | 4 bowls |
Key Features & Nutrition Facts
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fats | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450 kcal | 15g | 55g | 18g | 5g |
This Creamy Garlic Broccoli Pasta with Red Pepper Flakes provides a balanced mix of healthy carbs, protein, and fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Garlic Broccoli Pasta with Red Pepper Flakes
This Creamy Garlic Broccoli Pasta with Red Pepper Flakes is easy to make and requires simple ingredients. Follow this detailed step-by-step guide to achieve a perfectly creamy, garlicky, and slightly spicy pasta dish.
Step 1: Boil the Pasta and Broccoli
🔹 Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous amount of salt. This enhances the flavor of the pasta.
🔹 Add 12 oz of pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti) and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
🔹 About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets to the boiling water. This will allow the broccoli to cook just enough while retaining its bright green color and slight crunch.
🔹 Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli. This will help loosen the sauce later if needed.
🔹 Drain everything and set it aside.
💡 Pro Tip: Shocking the broccoli in ice water after draining will help it retain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
🔹 In a large pan or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
🔹 Once the butter is melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir continuously to prevent burning.
🔹 Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and continue stirring for another 30 seconds. This allows the flakes to release their spicy flavor into the butter.
💡 Pro Tip: If you love extra spice, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 ½ teaspoons for a bolder kick!
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
🔹 Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in 1 ½ cups of heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth base.
🔹 Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper to enhance the flavor.
🔹 Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese and Pasta Water
🔹 Gradually stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. This creates a thick, rich, and creamy texture.
🔹 If the sauce is too thick, slowly add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
💡 Pro Tip: Always add pasta water gradually to control the thickness of the sauce. The starch from the pasta water helps bind the sauce beautifully.
Step 5: Toss in the Pasta and Broccoli
🔹 Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the creamy garlic sauce.
🔹 Use tongs or a spatula to toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and broccoli are fully coated with the sauce.
🔹 Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer a cheesier pasta, sprinkle an extra ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
🔹 Turn off the heat and transfer the Creamy Garlic Broccoli Pasta with Red Pepper Flakes to serving plates.
🔹 Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
🔹 Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, garlicky, and spicy pasta!
Bonus Variations:
Want to customize your pasta? Here are some ideas:
✔ Add Protein – Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
✔ Make It Vegan – Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
✔ Extra Crunch – Top with toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes for more texture.
This step-by-step guide ensures your Creamy Garlic Broccoli Pasta with Red Pepper Flakes turns out perfectly creamy, flavorful, and satisfying every time! 🍝🔥
Pro Tips for a Perfect Pasta
✅ Use Fresh Garlic – It enhances the flavor more than garlic powder.
✅ Don’t Overcook Broccoli – Keep it bright green and slightly crisp.
✅ Reserve Pasta Water – Helps create a silky, smooth sauce.
✅ Adjust Spice Level – Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat!
✅ Pair It with Protein – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes! Whole milk or half-and-half can be used, but the sauce will be slightly less creamy.
2. What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti are ideal choices as they hold the creamy sauce well.
3. How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the quantity based on your preference.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or cashew cream and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water.
You’ll Also Love
If you enjoyed this Creamy Garlic Broccoli Pasta with Red Pepper Flakes, you’ll also love:
🍝 Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
🌿 Pesto Parmesan Chicken Pasta
🔥 Spicy Cajun Alfredo Pasta
🧄 Garlic Mushroom Pasta
Check out these recipes on BeesRecipes.com!
Conclusion
This rich and creamy garlic-infused broccoli pasta, with a hint of red pepper flakes, is a simple yet flavorful dish—perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need a delicious meal in no time. The rich garlic sauce, vibrant broccoli, and spicy red pepper flakes come together beautifully for a satisfying meal.
Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram – we can’t wait to see your delicious pasta! 🍝🔥