Pasta House Pasta con Broccoli (Easy Copycat Recipe)

Pasta House Pasta con Broccoli is an Alfredo based sauce that combines pasta, fresh mushrooms, and There’s something magical about the first bite of Pasta House’s famous Pasta con Broccoli. The creamy, garlic-infused sauce clings perfectly to tender linguini, while bright green broccoli florets and earthy mushrooms create a symphony of flavors and textures. This beloved restaurant dish transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort food magic. While traditional pasta con broccoli features just garlic and olive oil, this copycat version elevates the dish with a luxurious cream sauce that will have you making extra servings every time.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to Pasta House’s irresistible Pasta con Broccoli lies in the cooking technique. By partially cooking the pasta first, then finishing it in the creamy sauce, the noodles absorb all those incredible flavors while achieving the perfect texture. The combination of half-and-half, butter, and Parmesan creates a rich sauce that’s lighter than traditional heavy cream Alfredo but just as satisfying.

What type of pasta for pasta con broccoli?

For this pasta recipe, we used linguini pasta, but there are so many other kinds of pasta you can use. Shells, ziti, rigatoni, and penne all work with this recipe. The shells are especially nice because they will hold the creamy alfredo sauce.

How to Make Pasta House Pasta con Broccoli

As far as pasta recipes go, this one is super easy, taking only 30 minutes to make.  And if you double the recipe, you can have Pasta con Broccoli for days.

Here’s what you need:

• Pasta – Provides a hearty base that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully
• Half and half – Creates a rich, creamy sauce that’s lighter than heavy cream
• Butter – Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce texture
• Garlic – Provides aromatic foundation and savory depth
• Tomato sauce – Adds subtle acidity and beautiful color to balance the richness
• Broccoli florets – Contribute fresh vegetables, color, and nutritional value
• Mushrooms – Deliver earthy flavor and meaty texture
• Parmesan cheese – Brings nutty, salty finish and helps thicken the sauce

First, follow instructions to cook your pasta.  Cook only halfway and drain the water.  Add cream, butter, broccoli, garlic, and tomato sauce and bring to a hard boil.  When noodles are cooked, add the mushrooms and top with Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Add chicken or shrimp to this dish for a more complete meal.
• If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino cheese is another great compliment.
• Other topping ideas include cooked pancetta, red pepper flakes or even some parsley to add more color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Cream-based sauces may separate slightly when chilled.
• Reheating Method: Reheat gently in a large skillet over low heat, adding splash of half-and-half or pasta water to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• Microwave Option: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval and adding liquid as needed to maintain sauce texture.