If you’ve ever dreamed of a broccoli side dish so indulgently flavorful that it practically begs you to add it to every meal, the Marry Me Broccoli (Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Broccoli) Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This creamy, garlicky delight brings together tender broccoli florets bathed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with vibrant sun-dried tomato gems, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will have you swooning with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. With pantry staples and fresh produce, you’ll easily whip up something that looks and tastes like a feast.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base flavor and helps sauté the broccoli evenly.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings richness and a silky finish to the dish when combined with olive oil.
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets: The star of the show — vibrant, crunchy, and wholesome.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Delivers a subtle kick that elevates but doesn’t overpower.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped: Provides a chewy, tangy contrast bursting with umami.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The luxurious component that wraps broccoli in a creamy hug.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, savory richness and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and a pop of color.
How to Make Marry Me Broccoli (Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Broccoli) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Broccoli
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the fresh broccoli florets and let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften slightly and turn a gorgeous bright green. This step brings out the broccoli’s natural sweetness while keeping a satisfying bite.
Step 2: Build the Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if you’re craving just a hint of heat. Sauté everything together for another minute or so until the garlic releases its intoxicating fragrance without browning. This quick step layers in vital flavor that sets the foundation for the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Introduce Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, allowing their intense, slightly tangy richness to warm through and mingle with the garlic and broccoli. These little bursts of flavor make this Marry Me Broccoli (Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Broccoli) Recipe irresistibly vibrant.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring everything to a simmer. Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. Keep stirring to ensure the sauce clings beautifully to every broccoli floret.
Step 5: Finish Cooking and Season
Let the mixture cook for 2 to 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is perfectly tender and enveloped in the creamy tomato-cheese sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. For a fresh finish, sprinkle chopped basil or parsley right before serving.
How to Serve Marry Me Broccoli (Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Broccoli) Recipe
Garnishes
This dish shines with fresh herbs, so don’t skip the tablespoon of chopped basil or parsley. You could also add a few shavings of Parmesan on top and a twist of freshly cracked black pepper for a little extra flair. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds a silky finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Marry Me Broccoli (Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Broccoli) Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of mains such as grilled chicken, seared fish, or hearty pasta dishes. For a complete meal, serve alongside crusty garlic bread or a light quinoa salad to balance the richness with fresh, crisp textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the creamy broccoli in elegant ramekins or atop toasted baguette slices as a warm appetizer. You can also mix it with cooked pasta for a quick and indulgent dinner tossed with extra Parmesan. Turning this side into a vibrant topping for baked potatoes is another crowd-pleaser idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but the broccoli may soften a bit. Gently reheat for best texture.
Freezing
This creamy broccoli dish doesn’t freeze very well because the cream sauce can separate upon thawing. If you want to save time, freeze only cooked broccoli florets separately and prepare the sauce fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving directly to keep the texture and flavor intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Fresh broccoli is ideal for this recipe to maintain that perfect tender-crisp texture. However, if you only have frozen, thaw it thoroughly and drain excess water before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to recreate the creamy, cheesy flavor without compromising taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Feel free to experiment by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some spinach toward the end of cooking for extra nutrition and variety. Just be mindful of cooking times so nothing gets mushy.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a subtle warmth that enhances the flavors without being hot or overwhelming. You can easily leave them out or adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
What can I serve this with for a full meal?
This creamy broccoli is fantastic alongside grilled meats, pasta tossed in olive oil, or with hearty grains like quinoa or farro. Adding a protein like chicken or tofu makes for a satisfying and balanced dinner.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Marry Me Broccoli (Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Broccoli) Recipe that blends comfort and elegance in one pan. Next time you’re craving a side dish that’s simple yet spectacular, give this recipe a whirl—you might just find yourself happily “married” to those velvety, flavorful bites forever!
Print
Marry Me Broccoli (Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Broccoli) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Broccoli is a creamy, flavorful side dish featuring tender fresh broccoli florets sautéed in olive oil and butter with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then simmered in a rich Parmesan-infused cream sauce. This easy-to-make skillet recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors that pair wonderfully with grilled meats, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter until melted and hot.
- Sauté broccoli: Add the fresh broccoli florets and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and turn bright green.
- Add garlic and pepper flakes: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to heat through and meld flavors.
- Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer broccoli in sauce: Continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender to your liking and well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Season and garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
- This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pasta, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat; omit if preferred mild flavors.
- Use fresh herbs at the end for a bright, fresh finish.
