Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines fresh, vibrant broccoli florets with tender pasta shells all gently coated in a rich, creamy, Parmesan-infused sauce. This dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and it always brings a smile to everyone at the table. You’ll love how easily it comes together with pantry-friendly ingredients while letting the broccoli shine in every bite. Whether you’re craving something cozy for dinner or looking for a fresh twist on pasta night, Broccoli Pasta will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Broccoli Pasta comes together with just a handful of ingredients that balance flavor, creaminess, and a pop of green. Each element has a special role, from the butter’s richness to the burst of citrus from lemon juice, making this dish both simple and packed with personality.

• Butter: Provides a rich, comforting base and helps sauté the garlic to perfection.
• Garlic: Adds irresistible aroma and a layer of savory flavor throughout each bite.
• Chicken broth: Brings extra depth and a subtle savory flavor that complements the broccoli and pasta beautifully.
• Half and half: Makes the sauce creamy without being overly heavy—a perfect balance for the lightness of broccoli.
• Medium pasta shells: Their shape collects all the luscious sauce and tiny bits of broccoli for maximum flavor in every bite.
• Onion powder, dried thyme, salt: These basic seasonings give the dish a well-rounded, classic flavor with just a hint of herbiness.
• Dried oregano, dried parsley: Add an herby brightness and a welcoming aroma to the final dish.
• Broccoli florets: The star of the show—pick fresh, vibrant florets and cut them into small pieces for quick, even cooking.
• Lemon juice: Just a splash adds brightness and balances the creamy richness.
• Parmesan Cheese (finely grated): Melts beautifully into the sauce, creating that classic, irresistible Broccoli Pasta creaminess.

How to Make Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

Before you even turn on the stove, it’s wildly helpful to measure out all your Broccoli Pasta ingredients. This quick step is inspired by the French term “mise en place,” which simply means everything in its place. Take a moment to mince the garlic and cut your broccoli into nice, small florets—smaller pieces will cook faster and blend seamlessly with the pasta.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Start by melting butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Once the butter is melted and gently bubbling, toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about a minute, just until it begins to smell wonderfully aromatic—don’t let it brown! This is where the foundation of Broccoli Pasta’s flavor is built, so give it the attention it deserves.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Base

Next, pour in the chicken broth and half and half, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the onion powder, dried thyme, salt, dried oregano, and dried parsley. The blend of seasonings will infuse your sauce with comforting flavors. Give it a good stir, and watch as the sauce starts coming together.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Broccoli

Raise the heat just a tad and bring everything to a gentle boil, then add your uncooked pasta shells right into the liquid. Submerge the pasta and partially cover the skillet, letting the magic happen. Cook it according to package instructions, but be sure to add the broccoli florets during the last six minutes—this timing keeps the broccoli perfectly tender-crisp. Occasionally run a spatula along the bottom of the pan; this helps prevent the pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.

Step 5: Check Doneness

Once the timer is almost up, remove the cover and give the Broccoli Pasta a little taste test. If the pasta needs a few extra minutes, cover the skillet again and cook until it reaches your perfect level of tenderness. Nobody likes undercooked shells, so don’t be shy about checking!

Step 6: Finish with Lemon and Parmesan

Take the skillet off the heat and drizzle in the lemon juice, giving the sauce a fresh, bright lift. Now, sprinkle in the finely grated Parmesan cheese, using your spatula to gently mix until everything is creamy and luscious. The sauce will thicken as it stands, so let it settle for a minute or two before dishing up.

How to Serve Broccoli Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a little more Parmesan on top brings color and an extra burst of flavor. A drizzle of good olive oil or a touch of red pepper flakes can add complexity. If you love a bit of crunch, try some toasted breadcrumbs as a final touch—your Broccoli Pasta will look and taste like it came from your favorite trattoria!

Side Dishes

Broccoli Pasta is wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. Classic garlic bread with cheese is a match made in heaven, ready to mop up any extra sauce. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the creaminess and keeps things fresh. If you’re feeding a crowd, serve with roasted chicken or a platter of grilled vegetables for a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Broccoli Pasta in shallow bowls for a cozy, bistro-style feel, or arrange it on a large platter for easy family-style sharing. For special occasions, place the pasta in individual ramekins, top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, and broil briefly for an irresistible crispy finish. If you’re packing lunch, tuck the pasta into a thermos for a warm midday treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Broccoli Pasta, simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it the ideal meal prep superstar.

Freezing

Broccoli Pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the creamy sauce may separate slightly when thawed. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then pack into zip-top bags or containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat Broccoli Pasta, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, then warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covering loosely and stirring halfway through. Just be sure not to overheat, as this can make the sauce too thick or the pasta mushy.

FAQs

Can I make Broccoli Pasta vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious, entirely vegetarian version of Broccoli Pasta without sacrificing a bit of flavor.

What kind of pasta works best?

Medium pasta shells are perfect because they catch bits of broccoli and sauce in every bite, but you can use penne, rotini, or even fusilli if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cook times accordingly!

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli is a great time-saver. Toss it in during the last 5–6 minutes of pasta cooking, just as you would with fresh, and no need to thaw it first.

Is there a way to make Broccoli Pasta lighter?

If you’d like a lighter sauce, swap the half and half for whole milk or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt. You’ll still get a creamy texture but with fewer calories.

How can I add some protein?

Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even pieces of cooked Italian sausage make delicious protein additions. You can stir them in just before serving for a heartier Broccoli Pasta meal.

Final Thoughts

You’ll be amazed at just how much comfort and flavor Broccoli Pasta delivers with so little fuss—this is the kind of meal that makes any day feel special. I hope you give it a try soon, and I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!

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