Marry Me Broccoli is a rich, creamy, flavor-packed way to turn simple broccoli into a show-stopping side dish. The secret is the “marry me” style sauce: a silky cream base infused with garlic, Italian herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. It’s fast, cozy, and tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (about 5–6 cups)
- 2–3 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomatoes (or olive oil)
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup broth (vegetable or chicken)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3–1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more to finish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or parsley)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the broccoli
Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-size florets. Pat them dry (dry broccoli browns better).
Step 2: Char the broccoli
Heat 1–2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil (or olive oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add broccoli in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Let it cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to get a light char on the edges. Stir and cook 1–2 minutes more until bright green and crisp-tender.
Transfer broccoli to a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the onion
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
Add diced onion and cook over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Step 4: Add garlic + sun-dried tomatoes + spices
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 5: Build the sauce
Pour in the broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s flavor).
Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer (don’t boil hard).
Step 6: Melt in the Parmesan
Reduce heat to low. Stir in Parmesan gradually until melted and smooth.
Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
Step 7: Combine and finish
Return the broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat.
Simmer gently for 2–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the broccoli is perfectly tender-crisp.
Turn off heat and stir in fresh basil.
Step 8: Serve
Serve warm with extra Parmesan and a little more basil on top.
Tips (Quick)
- Want it thicker? Simmer 1–2 minutes longer or add a bit more Parmesan.
- Want it lighter? Use half-and-half (sauce will be a bit less thick).
- Make it a meal: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans into the sauce before returning the broccoli.