EASY BROCCOLI PASTA RECIPE

Craving something comforting, healthy, and quick, all in one bowl? Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a vibrant, cheesy sauce speckled with tender, bright green broccoli florets. This Broccoli Pasta recipe is about to become your new weeknight go-to; I promise, it’s easier (and tastier!) than you think!

Ingredients

For the Broccoli:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, farfalle, or your favorite shape)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk or pasta water (more if needed)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Prep the Broccoli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is crucial for perfectly cooked pasta!
2. While the water is heating, prepare the broccoli. Wash the broccoli head thoroughly. Cut the head into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.

Cook the Broccoli

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and slightly browned.
3. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry if there are some browned bits left in the pan; they’ll add flavor to the sauce!

Cook the Pasta

1. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold for creating a creamy sauce!
2. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce

1. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In the same skillet you used for the broccoli (no need to wash it!), add the softened cream cheese.
2. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and smooth.
3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
4. Gradually add the milk or pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be creamy and easily coat the pasta.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes, if using.

Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. Stir in the chopped fresh basil (if using).
4. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious Broccoli Pasta Recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Pasta

Okay, friend, let me tell you why this Broccoli Pasta recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen. First, it’s incredibly quick and easy. We’re talking weeknight-dinner-in-under-30-minutes kind of easy. Second, it’s surprisingly healthy! You’re getting a good dose of veggies from the broccoli and some protein from the cheese. Plus, you can easily customize it to your liking. Want to make it vegan? Use a plant-based cream cheese and Parmesan alternative. Need more protein? Add some grilled chicken or chickpeas. The possibilities are endless!

This recipe perfectly fits into the category of Health Dinner Recipes because it’s packed with nutrients and fiber from the broccoli, offering a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s also a great way to incorporate more Healthy Food Dishes into your diet without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. Forget boring salads; this broccoli pasta is where it’s at!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Broccoli Pasta

Alright, let’s talk pro tips! Here are a few secrets to ensure your Broccoli Pasta is a total success:

• Don’t overcook the broccoli: Nobody likes mushy broccoli. Aim for tender-crisp – it should still have a slight bite to it.
• Salt your pasta water: Seriously, don’t skip this step! It seasons the pasta from the inside out and makes a huge difference in the overall flavor. Think “sea water” salty.
• Reserve that pasta water! As I mentioned before, it’s liquid gold! The starch in the water helps to thicken the sauce and create a beautiful emulsion.
• Adjust the sauce to your liking: Some people prefer a thicker sauce, while others like it a bit thinner. Add more or less milk or pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice: A little bit of acidity can brighten up the flavors and balance the richness of the cheese.
• Toast some breadcrumbs: For a little extra crunch, toast some breadcrumbs in olive oil with garlic and sprinkle them over the finished dish.

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations and add-ins you can try:

• Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, sausage, or chickpeas would all be delicious additions.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Add more veggies: Roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach would be great additions.
• Use different cheeses: Try using Gruyere, Fontina, or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Make it creamy with ricotta: Adding a dollop of fresh ricotta cheese to each serving is heavenly.

Making Broccoli Pasta for Meal Prep

This Broccoli Pasta is also fantastic for Healthy Meal Prep! Simply cook the pasta and broccoli according to the instructions, and then combine everything with the sauce. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. It’s a perfect lunch or dinner option that’s both healthy and satisfying.

To prevent the pasta from drying out during reheating, add a splash of milk or pasta water before microwaving. Also, consider storing the sauce separately from the pasta and broccoli, and then combining them when you’re ready to eat. This will help to keep everything fresh and prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

This Broccoli Pasta is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

• Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing complement.
• Pair it with some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for garnish.
• Follow it up with a light dessert, like fruit salad or a small scoop of gelato.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! A simple, delicious, and healthy Broccoli Pasta recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and add-ins to make it your own. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! Happy cooking!

Easy Broccoli Pasta

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Easy Broccoli Pasta recipe is a quick and comforting weeknight meal. Tender broccoli florets and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it a healthy and satisfying dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound pasta penne, farfalle, or your favorite shape
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup milk or pasta water more if needed
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil optional
• Red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• While the water is heating, wash the broccoli head thoroughly. Cut the head into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and slightly browned.
• Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• Drain the pasta and set aside.
• In the same skillet you used for the broccoli, add the softened cream cheese.
• Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and smooth.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
• Gradually add the milk or pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes, if using.
• Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Stir in the chopped fresh basil (if using).
• Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the broccoli; aim for tender-crisp. Salt your pasta water generously. Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. For extra crunch, toast breadcrumbs with olive oil and garlic and sprinkle over the finished dish. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To prevent drying out during reheating, add a splash of milk or pasta water.