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    The Curry Mommy » Pasta

    Pasta with Broccoli and Garlic Parmesan Sauce

    Published: Mar 19, 2021 · Modified: Nov 10, 2021 by The Curry Mommy · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

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    Jump to Recipe

    Kid, Toddler, and Adult Friendly Pasta with Broccoli and Garlic Parmesan Sauce

    If you love a creamy white pasta sauce then this recipe is for you! It is a kid, toddler, and adult friendly pasta recipe that cooks in under 15 minutes and is as convenient and comforting as it can get.

    broccoli pasta with cheese and garlic sauce

    This recipe was inspired by my kids love for pasta with broccoli. Plus, it comes together in a matter of minutes. Want something with more flavor? Then give my One Pot Mexican Mac and Cheese with Homemade Cheese Sauce a try.


    Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Sauce

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions (one pot)
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment Needed
    • Storage Ideas
    • FAQ
    • Top Tips
    • Try these other pasta recipes...
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Community

    Ingredients

    A total of 8 ingredients! With an option to add spice such as Trader Joe's Chili Oil.

    • pasta
    • cream/milk
    • flour (only if using milk)
    • fresh parmesan cheese
    • bouillon cubes/paste/powder
    • fresh garlic (optional)
    • water
    • butter

    See recipe card for quantities. Add extra veggies if you like! Carrots are a great addition according to my toddler. which is another favorite vegetable of hers.


    Instructions (one pot)

    Boil pasta and broccoli in a pot with just water (no salt) and drain the water completely. TIP: add broccoli half way through the cooking process to keep the broccoli whole.

    cooked broccoli and pasta

    Add butter, cream, parmesan cheese, fresh grated garlic, and bouillon to the pot. (skip the flour and butter roux for one pot option)

    one pot creamy pasta being cooked

    Mix the contents together and let it thicken.

    long capellini pasta in a pot

    Serve warm.

    a red spatula holding a cheesy pasta withvegetables

    TIP: Add extra veggies such as carrots or baby spinach.

    a scoop holding broccoli and carrots pasta.

    Substitutions

    • Cream- substitute with a mixture of milk + flour
    • Parmesan Cheese- Substitute with Pecorino Romano or Unexpected Cheddar from Trader Joe's
    • Broccoli- Substitute with other vegetables such as carrots or asparagus

    Variations

    • Toddler Pasta Recipe- Use cream, butter, salt free bouillon, and no salt (no salt before 1 was my practice)
    • Kid Friendly- eliminate the garlic and use cream (fats are healthy for kids brain development)
    • Spicy- Add crushed red chili flakes
    • Deluxe- Add baby spinach

    Equipment Needed

    • One large pot
    • Small pot to make creamy parmesan sauce (optional)
    • Grater to grate parmesan cheese and fresh garlic
    • Spatula

    Storage Ideas

    • Refrigerate - it stores well for a few days if you like thick sauce that clings to pasta.
    • Large Quantity- If making for a large gathering, I recommend making it the day of and storing it in an oven safe pan for easy warming
    A bowl with spiral pasta broccoli and a white sauce

    FAQ

    Mac and Cheese vs Garlic Parmesan Sauce

    Mac and cheese usually has a sharp cheddar cheese included in the sauce whereas a parmesan sauce has freshly grated parmesan cheese. The two recipes are completely different because of this one ingredient.

    Is broccoli pasta kid-friendly?

    Yes! Broccoli pasta is very kid-friendly. In fact, since this dish is made with butter and cream/milk it is a great recipe to make for kids under 2. The more fat the better for brain development

    What shape of pasta to use?

    Try any of the following shapes made with flour that meets your family's dietary needs. Brown rice, lentil, grain-free, or semolina pasta are great options. Shapes I love for this recipe include elbow macaroni, cavatappi, bowtie, rotini, or Gemelli.

    Is garlic parmesan sauce keto-friendly?

    Yes! Make it with heavy cream and you have a delicious sauce that pairs well with spaghetti squash. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for chicken wings and vegetables.

    What else can you use garlic parmesan sauce for?

    Pair it with some warm bread as a dipping sauce.

    What type of bouillon to use?

    A low sodium version that I always recommend is by Rapunzel Brand, normally found at health food stores.


    Top Tips

    1. When cooking for 1-2 people, or in a hurry, use the one pot method.
    2. Otherwise, I recommend making the sauce separately from the pasta and broccoli.
    3. Do not add salt to the recipe until the very end.

    Try these other pasta recipes...

    • tahini pasta in a bowl with parsley and red chili flakes on top
      Creamy Tahini Pasta
    • a bowl full of ravioli with sage butter on top
      Easy Pasta Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli
    • spaghetti and meatball marinara with ground beef homeade restaurant style taste delicious kid friendly
      The Best Spaghetti and Meatball Marinara Recipe
    • Pasta dish with thick meat sauce.
      Ragu Spaghetti Meat Sauce

    📖 Recipe

    broccoli pasta with parmesan garlic sauce toddler friendly favorite mac and cheese

    Pasta with Broccoli and Garlic Parmesan Sauce

    The Curry Mommy
    A quick 15 minute kid friendly recipe made with a few simple ingredients that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
    4.88 from 8 votes
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Cooling Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 22 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, Italian
    Servings 6
    Calories 455 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 10 oz dry pasta, cooked with no salt or oil
    • 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • 1.5 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (can buy pre-shredded)
    • 3 bouillon cubes
    • 1 cup cream (can substitute with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon flour) see notes
    • 2 cups broccoli florets (and stems if preferred), fresh is recommended
    • 4-5 cloves garlic, fresh and grated (can skip for kids)
    • salt (add after a final taste test)
    • water (if needed to loosen the cheese sauce)

    Instructions
     

    PASTA + BROCCOLI

    • Cook the pasta with no salt or oil.
    • Add the broccoli to the pasta pot the last few minutes of the cooking process. Alternatively, steam the broccoli on the side.
    • Strain and set it aside or immediately mix with the garlic parmesan sauce.

    GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE

    • While the pasta cooks make the cheesy garlic parmesan sauce by heating butter in a sauce pan on medium heat.
    • Add the fresh garlic and cook for a few seconds. Try not to brown the garlic.
    • Add the cream/milk and the bouillon. Allow it to come to a boil.
    • Whisk until the bouillon is fully mixed with the cream/milk.
    • Once the cream/milk reaches a boil and the bouillon is mixed in, turn off the heat.
    • Add the parmesan cheese and continue to whisk until a cheese sauce has formed.
    • Mix in the pasta with the cheese sauce. Combine it together and add a little bit of water if needed. I like to keep the sauce thick so it clings to the pasta.
    • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on very low heat. Taste and add salt accordingly (if needed).
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    Healthy high fat foods are recommended for brain development in children under the age of 2. For that reason, cream and butter are recommended for this recipe.
    Want to make this recipe using only one pot and under 15 minutes? See the notes in the blog post and thank me later :).

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2cupsCalories: 455kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 18gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 1433mgPotassium: 122mgFiber: 2.5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 24IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 10mg
    Keyword kid friendly
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @TheCurryMommy or #thecurrymommy!

    toddler pasta in a bowl

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Angela says

      October 21, 2021 at 12:15 pm

      5 stars
      My kids love this recipe so much. Thank you for sharing it.

    4.88 from 8 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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    easy parmesan sauce broccoli pasta

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