Broccoli pasta is a deliciously creamy dish that combines tender broccoli florets with a smooth, flavorful sauce. Infused with olive oil, garlic, chili, Parmesan, and basil, this Italian-inspired recipe is easy to make in just under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a quick lunch or dinner the whole family will enjoy.

What is Broccoli Pasta?
Inspired by the classic Italian orecchiette with broccoli rabe, this creamy broccoli pasta is a satisfying meal that’s as simple as it is delicious. With its rich, creamy sauce and delightful textures, it’s no wonder this recipe went viral on social media!
Whether you use fresh or frozen broccoli, paired with your favorite pasta, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Broccoli Pasta
- Pasta: Choose a short, hollow Italian pasta like conchiglie, orecchiette, penne, or rotini. These shapes are perfect for holding the creamy broccoli sauce.
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets work equally well.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the best option for depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to enhancing the taste of the broccoli.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch for a spicy kick, or substitute with cayenne, chili powder, or sliced red chilis.
- Salt & Pepper: Use sea salt for seasoning and black pepper for optional extra flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness, and shaved Parmesan can be used for garnish. For a vegan version, simply omit the cheese or use a non-dairy alternative.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant, colorful touch to the finished dish.
How to Make Broccoli Pasta
- Cook the Broccoli:
- Boil the broccoli in salted water for 5 minutes or until tender. Tip: Use about 1 gallon (3.5 liters) of water with 1 tablespoon of salt for optimal flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cooked broccoli (drain it but reserve the water) to the skillet. Pour in 1 cup of the reserved cooking water and simmer for 10 minutes until the broccoli is very tender.
- Mash the broccoli with a fork or blend it with an immersion blender for a smoother sauce.
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the broccoli simmers, cook 12 ounces of your preferred short pasta, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes from the package instructions. Use the same water you boiled the broccoli in.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the broccoli sauce. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional minute, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Serve the pasta garnished with fresh basil leaves and shaved Parmesan cheese on top.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Let the pasta cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Reheat: Reheat the pasta in the microwave with a splash of water, or warm it in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil. This dish is not suitable for freezing.
Similar Recipes You Might Love
- Pasta: Try lentil bolognese, mushroom ragu, creamy tomato pasta, or a lemon pasta for more satisfying dishes.
- Broccoli: For more broccoli dishes, check out broccoli soup, broccoli salad, or roasted broccoli with carrots and cauliflower.
Broccoli pasta is an easy, flavorful meal the whole family can enjoy. With its creamy texture and simple ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit every time!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound broccoli (fresh or frozen)
- 12 ounces short pasta (conchiglie, orecchiette, rotini, or similar)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (pressed, grated, or thinly sliced)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or sliced red chili)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus shaved Parmesan for garnish)
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil Broccoli:
- Cut broccoli into small florets and boil in 1 gallon (3.5 liters) of salted water for 5 minutes or until fork-tender. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water before draining.
- Make the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute.
- Add the broccoli to the skillet (do not discard the cooking water). Pour in 1 cup of reserved water and simmer for 10 minutes until very tender. Mash the broccoli with a fork or blend with an immersion blender.
- Cook Pasta:
- In the same water used for broccoli, cook pasta according to the package instructions, reducing the cooking time by 2 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add drained pasta to the broccoli sauce, stirring in ½ cup grated Parmesan. Cook for an additional minute, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy texture.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and shaved Parmesan before serving.
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful broccoli pasta!
Leave a Reply