Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Recipe combines tender broccoli with crispy bacon in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. Ready in 20 minutes, it's the ultimate cheesy broccoli side dish or easy skillet dinner for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 5 ounces bacon cut into small strips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pounds broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan.
- Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Toss in broccoli florets and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook broccoli for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, cream cheese, and stock. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Return crispy bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Cut broccoli into uniform pieces for even cooking
- Use freshly grated cheeses for smoothest melting
- Don't overcook broccoli or it becomes mushy
- Let sauce reduce slightly before adding cheese for thicker consistency
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of cream to refresh the sauce