We love tasting the comfort of our favorite restaurant dishes in our own kitchens. The Old Spaghetti Factory’s broccoli side has always delighted us with its simple yet savory flavor. It’s perfectly tender and packed with fresh goodness.
We can’t resist recreating this classic dish to pair with our pasta night. We’ll show you how to steam or sauté fresh broccoli and top it with a creamy sauce that brings out its natural sweetness. Let’s bring a taste of old-world charm to our tables without leaving home.
Ingredients For Old Spaghetti Factory Broccoli Recipe
To recreate the Old Spaghetti Factory Broccoli Recipe with authentic taste, we gather fresh and vibrant florets. We accent their natural flavor with a delicate sauce made from butter and cream. We also include garlic for richness and Parmesan cheese for a lightly salty finish. We keep each component ready before we begin cooking.
- 1 pound fresh broccoli florets (rinsed and trimmed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
We measure each item precisely to ensure a rich and creamy texture. We position every ingredient within easy reach for smooth cooking.
Tools And Equipment
We depend on a few key items to replicate the tender texture of Old Spaghetti Factory Broccoli at home. We keep these tools within easy reach for smooth preparation and cooking:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cutting Board | Provides a stable surface for trimming fresh broccoli |
| Sharp Knife | Ensures clean cuts on florets for even cooking |
| Large Pot | Ideal for boiling or steaming water to soften broccoli |
| Steamer Basket | Keeps broccoli above the water level for gentle steaming |
| Saucepan | Allows us to prepare our creamy sauce with minimal mess |
| Measuring Cups | Helps us portion butter cream or cheese accurately |
| Measuring Spoons | Aids in precise seasoning with salt and black pepper |
| Tongs | Enables easy handling of hot broccoli without breaking florets |
| Wooden Spoon | Stirs ingredients smoothly without damaging cookware |
We find that gathering these essentials in advance helps us stay organized and ensures that our broccoli remains crisp and vibrant while our creamy sauce reaches the right consistency.
Prep Steps
We get our broccoli florets ready for steaming or sautéing. We also assemble our seasonings in advance.
Washing And Trimming The Broccoli
- Submerge fresh broccoli florets in cold water
- Swish them gently for 1 minute to remove debris
- Drain away excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel
- Trim off woody stalks using a sharp knife
- Cut florets into even pieces to ensure tender and uniform cooking
| Step | Task | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submerge florets in cold water | 1 minute |
| 2 | Swish gently | 1 minute |
| 3 | Drain and pat dry | Immediate |
| 4 | Trim stalks | 2 minutes |
| 5 | Cut into even pieces | 2 minutes |
Preparing Seasonings
- Measure out unsalted butter and keep it at room temperature
- Chop fresh garlic cloves into fine bits
- Set aside salt and black pepper in small bowls
- Grate Parmesan cheese and place it in a covered bowl
- Pour out heavy cream or half-and-half into a measuring cup
Cooking Directions
We are ready to transform our prepared florets into Old Spaghetti Factory Broccoli. Follow these steps to recreate its classic restaurant flavor.
Blanching And Sautéing
- Fill a large pot with water. Bring it to a rolling boil.
- Add salt for extra flavor.
- Submerge the broccoli florets. Blanch for 2 minutes.
- Transfer the florets to an ice bath to halt the cooking process.
- Melt unsalted butter in a sauté pan over medium heat.
- Stir in chopped garlic until it becomes fragrant.
- Drain the broccoli florets and add them to the pan. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Drizzle in heavy cream or half-and-half and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Toss gently until the sauce coats the florets. Season with black pepper.
Steaming And Seasoning
- Fill a large pot with about 1 inch of water.
- Place a steamer basket inside the pot. Bring the water to a simmer.
- Arrange the broccoli florets in the basket. Cover the pot.
- Steam for 4 to 5 minutes or until crisp and bright green.
- In a separate saucepan over medium heat melt unsalted butter.
- Add chopped garlic and stir until aromatic.
- Pour in heavy cream or half-and-half and add Parmesan cheese.
- Whisk until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the broccoli from the steamer basket. Combine with the sauce.
- Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Serve hot.
| Cooking Method | Time |
|---|---|
| Blanching | 2 minutes |
| Sautéing | 2 to 3 minutes |
| Steaming | 4 to 5 minutes |
Serving Suggestions
We enjoy serving our Old Spaghetti Factory Broccoli Recipe in many ways. We plate the tender florets alongside grilled chicken or fish. We spoon extra creamy sauce over both protein and broccoli for a restaurant-inspired presentation. We sprinkle an additional pinch of Parmesan cheese on top for a savory finish.
We also like to pair this dish with crusty bread or garlic knots. If we prefer a lighter meal we serve it next to a refreshing green salad. We sometimes drizzle lemon juice for a bright contrast to the creamy notes. We enjoy the vibrant color and buttery flavor that this broccoli dish brings to any dinner spread.
Below is a quick guide for those who want to estimate portions:
| Number of Servings | Broccoli Florets (cups) |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | 2 |
| 3 to 4 | 4 |
| 5 to 6 | 6 |
We follow these amounts when we plan meals for our family. We adjust as needed based on appetite and personal taste. If we have leftovers we store them in an airtight container. We reheat gently over low heat to keep the florets from getting mushy.
Make-Ahead And Storage Tips
We can prepare our Old Spaghetti Factory Broccoli in advance to streamline busy weeknights. We store the cooked broccoli and creamy sauce separately to maintain the best texture. We place each component in airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate the broccoli for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate the sauce for up to 2 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave
If we notice the sauce thickening after storage we stir in a small amount of half-and-half to restore its silky consistency. For longer storage we freeze the broccoli in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month though the sauce may lose some creaminess if frozen.
Below is a quick reference guide:
| Storage Method | Component | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (40°F) | Broccoli | 3 days |
| Refrigerator (40°F) | Sauce | 2 days |
| Freezer (0°F) | Broccoli | 1 month |
We thaw frozen broccoli overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. We avoid refreezing the dish to preserve its flavor.
Conclusion
We’ve had a wonderful time sharing our take on this Old Spaghetti Factory Broccoli recipe. It’s been a joy bringing restaurant-quality comfort to our kitchen without any fuss.
We love how simple steps and fresh ingredients can create a memorable dish that’s both flavorful and versatile. We hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as we do and find new ways to serve it alongside your favorite meals.