Broccoli Pasta is a truly delightful and incredibly simple dish that brings vibrant flavors to your table in record time. Imagine a wholesome, comforting meal ready in 20 minutes or less – this is it! Loved by all ages, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something both delicious and effortlessly prepared.

This versatile recipe easily adapts to dietary preferences. To make it a delicious vegetarian broccoli pasta, simply swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth. If you’re looking to boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chicken or savory sausage. Explore our popular chicken and broccoli pasta or hearty sausage broccoli pasta recipes for more inspiration.

Effortless Excellence: The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Broccoli Pasta

As a parent, I often get asked if my children are adventurous eaters, given the variety of recipes I create. While every household faces its share of picky eating, I can confidently say that all three of my kids adore broccoli. It’s a vegetable that consistently gets a thumbs-up at our dinner table, especially when prepared just right.

Their love for broccoli largely stems from a few key recipes: our incredible Roasted Broccoli (which is truly a game-changer for converting skeptics), a warming Broccoli Potato Soup, and, of course, this very creamy broccoli pasta dish I’m thrilled to share with you today. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special.

This quick broccoli pasta recipe stands out for its simplicity and minimal ingredient list. It’s my go-to when pantry supplies are running low, or when the family specifically requests a comforting yet light meal. Its rapid preparation time means less stress in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner together.

Mastering Broccoli Pasta: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this cheesy, flavorful broccoli pasta is surprisingly easy, making it perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Below is a concise overview of the steps. For full details and precise measurements, please refer to the complete recipe card.

1. Simmer Pasta & Broccoli: Begin by boiling your pasta. For ultimate convenience, add fresh or frozen broccoli florets directly to the boiling pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking. This ingenious step saves you time and an extra pot, ensuring both components are perfectly cooked and ready to mingle with the sauce simultaneously. Once tender, drain thoroughly, reserving some of the starchy pasta water for later use.
2. Craft the Creamy Sauce: While the pasta cooks, prepare the rich, velvety sauce in a large pan. This luscious base is made from a harmonious blend of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option), rich heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. We’ll also infuse it with aromatic garlic and a medley of seasonings.
3. Combine & Toss: Once your sauce has reached a beautiful, thick consistency, add the drained pasta and broccoli directly to the pan. Employ a vigorous tossing technique—a secret weapon in Italian cooking—to thoroughly coat every strand of pasta and every floret. This method emulsifies the sauce, creating an irresistibly smooth and intensely flavorful finish that clings perfectly.

The Secret to Perfectly Cooked Broccoli in Your Pasta

One of the brilliant aspects of this easy broccoli pasta recipe is how it simplifies vegetable preparation. There’s no need for separate steaming or boiling of the broccoli! You cook the broccoli right alongside your pasta. Simply add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the final one to two minutes of the pasta’s cooking time. This ensures the broccoli is tender-crisp, vibrant green, and perfectly integrated into the dish, ready to be tossed with the savory sauce.

Fresh vs. Frozen: Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Pasta?

Absolutely! This versatile broccoli pasta recipe has been rigorously tested with both fresh and frozen broccoli, yielding excellent results with either option. The key, regardless of whether you choose fresh or frozen, is to ensure your florets are cut into fairly small, bite-sized pieces. If you opt for frozen broccoli, allow it to thaw for a short period before giving it a quick coarse chop. This makes it easier to handle and ensures even cooking alongside the pasta.

Expert Tips for the Best Broccoli Pasta Every Time

Achieving restaurant-quality results with your homemade broccoli pasta is easier than you think. Keep these crucial tips in mind for a truly exceptional dish:

• Generously Salt the Pasta Water: This is a non-negotiable step for flavorful pasta. Salting the water properly seasons the pasta from the inside out. Use a good amount of salt – it should taste like the sea. This provides the foundational flavor that no amount of saucing later can replicate.
• Master Sauce Consistency with Reserved Pasta Water: Pasta is a thirsty ingredient and can absorb more sauce than anticipated. If your sauce seems too thick after adding the pasta and broccoli, gradually stir in small splashes of the reserved pasta water. The starch in the water helps bind the sauce, creating a smoother, glossier, and perfectly coated pasta. Adjust until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess.
• Portion Control for Perfection: While it’s tempting to cook an entire box of pasta, this recipe is specifically designed for 3 cups of rotini. Using more pasta will result in an insufficient amount of sauce to properly coat every bite, leaving your dish dry and less flavorful. Stick to the recommended amount for optimal sauciness.
• Opt for Low-Sodium Broth: To maintain control over the overall seasoning, always use a low or reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. This prevents the final dish from becoming overly salty, allowing you to adjust the seasoning to your exact preference at the end. If you taste the finished dish and find it needs a little lift, a pinch of extra salt can be added.

More Easy and Tasty Pasta Recipes to Enjoy

If you’re a fan of simple, flavorful pasta dishes, you’re in luck! Here are some other cherished recipes that are just as easy to make and equally delicious:

• Creamy Sausage Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a hearty, savory meal.
• One-Pot Chicken Orzo for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Zucchini Pasta Sauce with spaghetti, a fresh and light option perfect for summer.
• One-Skillet Cheesy Tuna Pasta for a quick and satisfying seafood fix.
• Mediterranean Pasta Salad with a zesty lemon-herb dressing, ideal for picnics or meal prep.

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Broccoli Pasta

By Chelsea Lords

This Broccoli Pasta is incredibly flavorful and ready in just 20 minutes—a quick, easy meal the whole family will adore!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large pan

Ingredients

• 3 (9-ounce) cups rotini pasta, uncooked
• 4 cups (2 heads) chopped broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
• Salt and pepper, to taste (salt and pepper)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (see note 1)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)
• 1 lemon (optional, for zest and juice)
• Finely chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

• Prepare your broccoli: If using fresh, chop into small florets. If using frozen, let it sit out for a few minutes to thaw slightly, then give it a quick coarse chop. Measure and set aside.
• Prepare for pasta water: Place a large colander in the sink with a glass mug or heat-safe measuring cup in its center (this helps you remember to reserve pasta water!). Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Generously salt the water (about 2 teaspoons), then add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, reducing the cooking time by 1 minute from what’s listed. Two minutes before the pasta is done, add the chopped broccoli to the pot. Just before draining, use the mug to remove about a cup of pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and broccoli together in the colander; do not rinse.
• Meanwhile, in a large pan (one that will comfortably hold the pasta and broccoli later), melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme (if using). Season with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and golden. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth); it should sizzle and boil. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Once this broth has mostly evaporated, add the remaining 1/2 cup of broth and stir.
• Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 3–5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and slightly reduces. The sauce should not come to a full boil; reduce heat and stir more frequently if necessary to prevent scorching.
• Once you have a thick and creamy sauce, add the drained pasta and broccoli to the pan. Using tongs, vigorously toss the ingredients into the cream sauce until the sauce thickens further and nicely coats every piece of pasta and broccoli, about 1–2 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, slowly add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. Add lemon zest to taste, if desired.
• Serve immediately. For an extra touch, top individual plates with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Red pepper flakes and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also be added to individual servings for a little kick and brightness. This pasta is truly at its best when enjoyed right after it’s been tossed with the sauce!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: For the best flavor and texture, we highly recommend using freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A block of Parmesan grated on the small holes of a grater works beautifully, or use high-quality finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated Parmesan from a can is often too salty and contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.

Storage: Store any leftover broccoli pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth or cream if the sauce is too thick to restore its creamy texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 58.2g | Protein: 18.3g | Fat: 5.8g | Cholesterol: 10.8mg | Sodium: 306.5mg | Fiber: 4.6g | Sugar: 3.6g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

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