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Antonio Morelli

Olive Garden broccoli Recipe

A simple, tender-crisp broccoli side dish inspired by Olive Garden—lightly seasoned, vibrant in color, and ready in minutes. One of the best side dish for the various food.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Resting Time 0 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Healthy Side, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 45
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, Olive Garden style)
  • 1 cup water (for steaming/blanching)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Steamer basket (optional)
  • Strainer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs or slotted spoon

Method
 

  1. Prep Broccoli: Wash and cut broccoli into medium florets for even cooking.
  2. Boil or Steam: Bring water to a boil. Add broccoli to a steamer basket or pot.
  3. Cook: Steam or blanch for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  4. Season: Toss warm broccoli with salt, pepper, and optional butter or garlic butter.
  5. Serve: Plate immediately to maintain color, crunch, and flavor.

Notes

  • ✔ Don’t overcook—it changes the color and makes the broccoli mushy.
  • ✔ Add garlic butter for a stronger Olive Garden touch.
  • ✔ A quick ice bath after blanching keeps the broccoli vibrant.
  • ✔ Pair it with Alfredo pasta, grilled chicken, or soup for a complete meal.