Easy Marry Me Skillet Broccoli

Easy Mary Me Skillet Broccoli is a quick, flavorful side with a creamy, savory sauce that is perfect for weeknight dinners! 

Say hello to Easy Mary Me Skillet Broccoli, a dish that transforms basic broccoli into a crave-worthy side that’s embarrassingly easy to make! 

Inspired by the viral “Marry Me” recipes, this skillet version tosses tender broccoli in a luscious, savory sauce that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s fast, versatile, delicious and will be on repeat! 

Why Skillet Cooking

What makes this broccoli stand out is cooking it in a skillet. The florets remain vibrant and slightly crisp while soaking up the decadent sauce. Another bonus? The one-pan approach means less cleanup! 

Mary Me Sauce 

The “Mary Me” vibe comes from a silky, savory sauce that balances creamy, tangy, and umami notes. Think of it as a hug in flavor form. I love this sauce because it makes broccoli exciting but doesn’t overpower making it a perfect complaint to any protein. 

Why It’s a Weeknight Winner

This dish is all about ease and impact. Ready in minutes, it fits into busy schedules while delivering a restaurant-worthy result. Whether you’re rounding out a roast chicken dinner or tossing it with pasta for a meatless meal, Easy Mary Me Skillet Broccoli brings color, nutrition, and serious flavor to the table. Of course, if you need a few more veggie sides, I definitely recommend: Fried Brussels Sprouts, Air Fryer Squash Rings, or Broccoli Caesar Salad.   

Ingredients Used to Make Easy Mary Me Skillet Broccoli

The ingredients are straightforward but deliver bold, savory, and slightly tangy notes that elevate the broccoli. Here’s what you’ll need to make this side dish: 

• Broccoli florets
• Sun dried tomatoes
• Parmesan cheese
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Chicken stock
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• Basil 
• Olive oil

How to Make Easy Marry Me Skillet Broccoli

This one-pan wonder is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Here’s how to whip it up in your kitchen: 

• In a large skillet with a fitted lid, heat olive oil to medium-high heat. Add 4 cups of the broccoli florets to the skillet into an even layer. Brown on both sides for about 2 minutes each and then stir to cook making sure all the florets are golden brown. Remove florets from the skillet and place in a large bowl. 
• In the same skillet, add a little bit more olive oil and repeat the process with the remaining 4 cups of broccoli florets. Remove from the skillet and set aside in the broccoli reserved bowl. 
• Next, add 1 tbsp of olive oil to the skillet followed by the yellow onion. Cook the onion until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add in the sun dried tomatoes and garlic. Cook for another few minutes. 
• Add in the reserved broccoli to the skillet followed by chicken stock, Italian seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper, kosher salt, and pepper. Cover the skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. This will help make the broccoli nice and tender. Remove the lid and stir in the cream and basil.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Serve and enjoy! 

Variations of Easy Marry Me Skillet Broccoli

Here are some creative variations to keep this skillet star exciting while maintaining its irresistible “Marry Me” charm: 

Spicy Sausage Mary Me Broccoli: Add ½ cup of crumbled, cooked Italian sausage or chorizo to the skillet when sautéing the shallots. The spicy, savory meat amps up the heartiness, making it a standalone dish or a robust side

Creamy Mushroom Mary Me Broccoli: Incorporate 1 cup of sliced cremini or button mushrooms, sautéed with the shallots until golden. Swap half the heavy cream for a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan, creating a richer, earthier sauce that pairs beautifully with the broccoli and Parmesan.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Mary Me Broccoli: Toss in ½ pound of peeled, cooked shrimp when returning the broccoli to the sauce. Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish, turning it into a seafood-inspired main that’s still quick and low-carb.

Vegan Mary Me Broccoli: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and swap Parmesan for 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast. 

Roasted Red Pepper Mary Me Broccoli: Substitute half the sun-dried tomatoes with chopped roasted red peppers for a sweeter, smokier sauce. Blend a tablespoon of the peppers into the broth for a vibrant color and smoother texture.

Proper Storing

Here’s how to store it for short-term enjoyment or longer-term use.

Refrigeration: Short-Term Storage: for leftovers or make-ahead prep, let the dish cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container or cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Reheating Refrigerated Broccoli: to reheat, warm it in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, stirring gently for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes. Stir before serving to redistribute the sauce.