Whip up this irresistible Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli! Tender-crisp florets bathed in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce. A quick side for any meal. Full recipe and nutritional info included.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 2: Add the broccoli florets and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir to combine, then cover the pan and let the broccoli steam for 3-5 minutes, or until it is tender-crisp.
Step 3: Uncover the pan and add the heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to coat the broccoli.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the broccoli evenly.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days; the creamy sauce will naturally thicken a bit more upon cooling.
For best results, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency, rather than microwaving which can sometimes overcook the broccoli.
This decadent broccoli makes a fantastic quick side for roasted chicken, seared salmon, or even tossed with some pasta for a delightful vegetarian main dish.
For an even richer flavor, always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block; it melts smoother and tastes much better than pre-shredded, and feel free to adjust the broth amount slightly for your preferred sauce thickness.