Description
Turn weeknight dinners into a steakhouse experience with this Copycat Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Broccoli. Tender bright green florets are tossed in a silky garlic butter cream sauce and showered with nutty Parmesan for a side dish that feels indulgent but still keeps things veggie-forward. This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas and family dinner ideas, and it is a tasty way to get everyone excited about eating their vegetables.
Ingredients
6 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for sauce
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese for topping
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Blanch for 2 to 3 minutes, until bright green and just tender, then drain well and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly golden but not browned.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan, and let it bubble for about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
4. Simmer the sauce gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened and able to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the lemon zest and adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every floret in the garlic Parmesan sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the broccoli is heated through.
7. Transfer the broccoli and sauce to a serving dish. Top with the shredded Parmesan and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For the best texture, keep the broccoli crisp-tender by watching the blanching time closely; it will continue to soften a bit when reheated in the sauce.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, replace half of the heavy cream with whole milk and add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan to keep the flavor rich.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 8
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 330
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 35
Keywords: copycat longhorn garlic parmesan broccoli, garlic parmesan broccoli, steakhouse side dish, easy broccoli recipe, vegetable side dish, quick dinner sides, family dinner ideas, cheesy broccoli