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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe
Laura

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe

Tender broccoli florets in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce with crispy bacon, topped with bubbly melted cheese. This easy one-pan dish is perfect as a healthy side or satisfying vegetarian main.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 ounces bacon cut into small strips
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 pounds fresh broccoli cut into florets
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook bacon strips until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
  2. Drain most bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in skillet. Add butter and melt. Add broccoli florets, salt, and pepper. Cook 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, scraping up browned bits.
  3. Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, cream cheese, stock, half the parmesan, half the mozzarella, and smoked paprika.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer 3-4 minutes, stirring until sauce is smooth and cheeses are melted. Return cooked bacon to skillet and mix well to coat broccoli.
  5. Top with remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Transfer skillet to oven and bake 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil 2 minutes for extra crispiness if desired.
  6. Remove from oven and let rest 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting and flavor
  • Cut broccoli into uniform florets for even cooking
  • Let cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding
  • Keep heat low when adding cream to prevent separation
  • Pat frozen broccoli very dry if using instead of fresh