Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal? This Broccoli Pasta is just what you need. With fresh or frozen broccoli, a little olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes, it’s bursting with flavor, and the Parmesan cheese makes everything creamy and delicious. It’s the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something light yet satisfying.
Ingredients for This Broccoli Pasta:
We’re starting with fresh or frozen broccoli, which gets tossed into a pot of boiling salted water. Then, we’re adding in some short pasta (your choice!) and combining it all in a savory, garlicky sauce with olive oil and a little kick from red pepper flakes. The Parmesan cheese takes it over the top with a creamy finish, and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan and basil makes it extra special.
- 1 pound broccoli (fresh or frozen)
- 1 gallon water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 12 ounces short pasta (your favorite kind)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Shaved Parmesan (for garnishing)
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
How to Make Broccoli Pasta:
Let’s cook up some broccoli pasta magic!
1. Cook the Broccoli:
Start by cutting the broccoli into small florets. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding in the salt. Drop the broccoli into the water and cook it for 5 minutes until it’s tender. Once done, remove the broccoli from the pot, but don’t toss that water just yet!
2. Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden.
3. Combine the Broccoli and Sauce:
Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Pour in 1 cup of the broccoli cooking water, stir everything together, and simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors combine.
4. Make the Pasta:
While the broccoli is simmering, cook the pasta in the same broccoli cooking water (this adds more flavor!). Follow the package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes. Once the pasta is done, reserve 1 cup of the cooking water before draining the rest.
5. Combine Pasta and Broccoli:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the broccoli. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another minute, adding a little pasta water if the sauce needs to loosen up.
6. Serve:
Plate your pasta, topping it with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Storage:
If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To reheat, you can either microwave it with a splash of water or warm it up in a pan with a little extra olive oil.
Tips for Making Broccoli Pasta:
- Boil the broccoli in the pasta water to save time and enhance the flavor.
- Mash or blend the broccoli for a smooth sauce if you prefer a creamier texture.
- Use Parmesan cheese for that rich, creamy finish.
Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli fresh or frozen
- 1 gallon water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 12 ounces short pasta your favorite kind
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Shaved Parmesan for garnishing
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Cut broccoli into florets and cook in salted boiling water for 5 minutes. Reserve the water.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add cooked broccoli to the skillet, pour in 1 cup of cooking water, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the pasta in the broccoli water, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water before draining.
- Add pasta to the skillet with broccoli and stir in grated Parmesan. Cook for 1 more minute, adding pasta water as needed.
- Serve with fresh basil and shaved Parmesan.