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Delicious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Easy Side

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli is a flavorful transformation of simple broccoli florets into an indulgent side dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it makes healthy eating utterly delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds of fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter or olive oil
  • 46 cloves of freshly minced garlic
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Broccoli: Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and steam them until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes, or blanch in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes before plunging into an ice bath. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (or heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Build the Cream Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Add the Parmesan: Reduce heat to low and stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
  5. Combine and Season: Add the cooked broccoli florets to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  6. Serve Immediately: Enjoy fresh off the stove, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: To achieve perfect broccoli texture, avoid overcooking it. For a smoother sauce, ensure the heavy cream is at room temperature before adding, and stir in the Parmesan off direct heat.