Ingredients
4 ounces short pasta, such as penne
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional)
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
2 1/2 ounces cream cheese (1/3 cup)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated (1/3 cup), plus more for serving
Preparation
Cook pasta in a pot of generously salted boiling water 2 minutes less than per package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and cover to keep warm. Add broccoli to pot; continue boiling until pasta is al dente and broccoli is bright green, 1 to 2 minutes more. Drain.
Return pot to medium heat; add cream cheese, butter, and 2/3 cup reserved pasta water. Cook, stirring, until mixture is smooth and simmering. Remove from heat; stir in pasta, broccoli, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Toss with more pasta water as needed until sauce clings to pasta. Serve with more Parmigiano and black pepper.
