Marry Me Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Name: Marry Me Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup vegetable broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; Salt and black pepper to taste

Author: Tessa

Published: July 19, 2025

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There are some dishes so incredibly delicious, so utterly captivating, that they just make you want to propose to the chef! Introducing my beloved Marry Me Broccoli recipe, a dish that truly lives up to its name. It’s an unbelievably creamy, flavorful side dish that transforms simple broccoli into something extraordinary, all thanks to a rich sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and just the right amount of cheese. I first stumbled upon a version of this when I was looking for a way to make vegetables feel truly special for a weeknight meal, and this recipe absolutely blew me away. It’s incredibly easy to prepare but tastes like you’ve been slaving away for hours, making it perfect for both special occasions and a quick, luxurious dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Broccoli

This Marry Me Broccoli recipe isn’t just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience you’ll adore. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, meaning you can have a gourmet-tasting vegetable on the table in about 30 minutes. The rich, creamy sauce coats every floret, making it bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s wonderfully versatile—perfect as an elegant side or even a light meal on its own. Trust me, it’s a crowd-placer that will have everyone asking for more!

The Secret to Irresistible Marry Me Broccoli

The magic of this Marry Me Broccoli truly lies in its luxurious sauce and the vibrant sun-dried tomatoes. The creamy base, infused with garlic and a hint of red pepper, perfectly complements the tender-crisp broccoli. When you add the sweet, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, they burst with flavor, creating a harmonious and utterly irresistible profile that elevates simple broccoli into something extraordinary.

Essential Ingredients for Marry Me Broccoli

To whip up this delightful Marry Me Broccoli, you’ll need one large head of fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets. Grab 2 tablespoons of good quality olive oil, and three cloves of garlic, finely minced. For that incredible burst of flavor, make sure you have 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained thoroughly and then chopped. A little kick comes from 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, of course!). You’ll also need 1 cup of rich vegetable broth, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving. Finish it all off with salt and black pepper to taste.

Marry Me Broccoli - detail 1

Step-by-Step: How to Make Marry Me Broccoli

Making Marry Me Broccoli is surprisingly straightforward, and I’m going to walk you through each step to ensure you get that perfect, irresistible dish every single time. We’ll start with getting our broccoli just right, then move on to building that luscious, creamy sauce that makes this dish so famous. Don’t worry about complicated techniques; this recipe focuses on simple steps that yield incredible flavor. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, and how much everyone will love it. Just follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll have a show-stopping side dish ready in no time!

Preparing Your Marry Me Broccoli Florets

First things first, let’s get those beautiful broccoli florets ready for your Marry Me Broccoli. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the broccoli florets and cook them for just 2-3 minutes. You want them to be tender-crisp – still vibrant green with a slight bite, not mushy. Once they’ve reached this sweet spot, drain them immediately and thoroughly. This stops the cooking process and prevents soggy broccoli.

Crafting the Creamy Marry Me Broccoli Sauce

Now for the star of the show: the creamy sauce for your Marry Me Broccoli. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and the red pepper flakes (if you’re using them for a little kick) and cook for about 1 minute until they’re fragrant. Don’t let the garlic brown! Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it reduce slightly for 3-5 minutes. Finally, reduce the heat to low, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to your liking.

Combining and Serving Your Marry Me Broccoli

With your perfect sauce ready, it’s time to bring everything together for your Marry Me Broccoli. Add the cooked, drained broccoli florets directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything until each floret is beautifully coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve your Marry Me Broccoli immediately, perhaps with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top for that final flourish. It’s truly a dish to savor!

Marry Me Broccoli - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Broccoli

To truly perfect your Marry Me Broccoli, remember a few key things. If you love a little heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes; for a milder dish, simply omit them. For an even richer, nuttier flavor in your Marry Me Broccoli, consider roasting the florets instead of boiling them – just toss with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until tender-crisp. This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even as a luxurious bed for pan-seared scallops. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for an extra bright finish!

Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Broccoli

I get a lot of questions about this Marry Me Broccoli recipe, and I love that you’re all so engaged! Here are some of the most common inquiries I receive, along with my best advice to help you make this dish absolutely perfect every time.

Can I Make Marry Me Broccoli Ahead of Time?

While you can prepare the broccoli and sauce separately a day ahead, I recommend combining them just before serving. The broccoli can get a little soft if it sits in the sauce for too long, and the sauce might thicken too much.

What Are Good Substitutions for Ingredients in Marry Me Broccoli?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or even a sharp white cheddar. For the cream, you could use half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce, though heavy cream gives the best richness. You can also use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.

How Can I Make My Marry Me Broccoli Spicier?

If you love a fiery kick in your Marry Me Broccoli, simply increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or more. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the garlic, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.

Storage and Reheating Your Marry Me Broccoli

If you happen to have any Marry Me Broccoli leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), proper storage is key to keeping it delicious. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or a little extra cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can sometimes make the broccoli a bit soft.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Marry Me Broccoli

For those mindful of their intake, here’s an estimated breakdown for a single serving of this delicious Marry Me Broccoli. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, 28g of fat, 8g of protein, and 12g of carbohydrates. Please remember, these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. It’s a rich and satisfying dish!

Share Your Marry Me Broccoli Experience

Now that you’ve got all the secrets to making this incredible Marry Me Broccoli, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did it win over any skeptics? Did someone actually propose? Please leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or even better, share your gorgeous photos on social media and tag me! Let’s build a community around this truly special dish!