Creamy Garlic Butter Broccoli Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Garlic Butter Broccoli is a simple yet flavorful side dish that complements any meal. Tender broccoli florets are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with creamy parmesan, making vegetables exciting and delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the broccoli florets in boiling water for 4-5 minutes or until tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the broccoli and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Roasting the broccoli before adding the sauce can add a deeper, caramelized flavor.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much when reheated.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be good substitutes if Parmesan is unavailable, offering a similar salty and nutty flavor.
PrintCreamy Garlic Butter Broccoli Recipe
Creamy Garlic Butter Broccoli is a rich and comforting side dish where tender broccoli florets are sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, then simmered with heavy cream and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a deliciously creamy flavor perfect to complement any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Dairy & Fat
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Cook Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Cook them until they are tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic in Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Season with salt and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Broccoli and Parmesan: Add the cooked broccoli florets to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy coating around the broccoli.
Notes
- To keep broccoli bright green, shock in ice water immediately after boiling.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or roasted meats.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
Keywords: Creamy broccoli, garlic butter broccoli, broccoli side dish, creamy vegetable side
