Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli

Creamy garlic parmesan broccoli is a quick and comforting side dish that transforms simple broccoli into something rich, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s tender, creamy, and coated in a velvety garlic-parmesan sauce that I love serving with just about any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it turns a basic vegetable into something that feels indulgent and satisfying. It’s an easy way to get more greens on my plate, and the garlic and parmesan make it so flavorful I actually crave it. It also comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute side that pairs beautifully with chicken, pasta, or steak.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh broccoli florets

• Butter

• Garlic, minced

• Heavy cream or half-and-half

• Grated parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Directions

1. I start by steaming or boiling the broccoli until just tender—about 3–4 minutes. Then I drain and set it aside.

2. In a skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3. I pour in the cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

4. I stir in the parmesan cheese and keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

5. I add the cooked broccoli to the pan and toss to coat it in the creamy sauce.

6. I season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want a little kick.

7. I let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes, then serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 5 minutes to prep, 5 minutes to cook the broccoli, and 5–7 minutes to make the sauce—so it’s ready in just about 15 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies. For a tangy twist, I stir in a bit of cream cheese or a splash of lemon juice. When I want to make it a complete meal, I mix in cooked pasta or shredded rotisserie chicken. I’ve also used this sauce with cauliflower and green beans, and it works just as well.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. I don’t recommend freezing it since creamy sauces can separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, I use frozen broccoli when I’m short on time. I steam or microwave it first, then add it to the sauce just like I would with fresh.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

I can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a middle-ground option, I like using half-and-half.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as I check that the parmesan and other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten.

What cheese works best besides parmesan?

I sometimes mix in mozzarella for extra creaminess or add a bit of sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.

Can I make it ahead?

It’s best served fresh, but I sometimes prep the broccoli and sauce separately and combine them just before serving to save time.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic parmesan broccoli is a quick, delicious way to enjoy more veggies without sacrificing flavor. I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it can be depending on what I serve it with. Whether it’s part of a weeknight dinner or a holiday spread, this dish always delivers rich, cheesy comfort.