Name: Broccoli Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 head broccoli (large, cut into small florets); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin); ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper (to taste); 12 ounces pasta (such as penne); 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

There’s something so comforting about this simple, flavorful dish. The combination of tender broccoli with the rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce is just irresistible. That’s why I’m excited to share my Broccoli Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Recipe—it’s a quick weeknight hero you’ll come back to again and again.

A silver pan filled with a large amount of small white shell pasta covered in a bright green sauce, likely pesto, with a slightly chunky texture. The pasta shells are well coated and mixed, and there is a sprinkling of fine white grated cheese on top, adding a light contrast to the green. The background shows a white marbled surface, and the pan’s edges are slightly worn. The image is clear and close up, showing the texture of the pasta and sauce in detail photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Broccoli Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This broccoli pasta has become one of my favorite comfort foods because it’s deceptively simple but packed with flavor. I honestly didn’t expect broccoli to shine this bright in a pasta dish, but once you try it, you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

Simplicity meets flavor: With just a few ingredients, you get a rich, garlicky sauce that feels special but is super easy to make.
Quick & comforting: The whole dish comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings or last-minute dinners.
Versatile & adaptable: Easy to modify whether you want it vegetarian or want to add a protein boost.
Fresh & wholesome: The broccoli keeps it green and nutritious, while the Parmesan adds that perfect cheesy balance.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role—this isn’t just pasta with broccoli tossed in. The olive oil and garlic sing together, the Parmesan brings creaminess, and the broccoli adds vibrant texture and freshness. Using fresh broccoli and good quality Parmesan can really elevate the dish.

Flat lay of a large head of broccoli cut into small florets, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with red pepper flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, uncooked penne pasta arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Broccoli: Fresh is best for color and crunch; cut into small florets so it cooks evenly and blends smoothly in the sauce.
Olive oil: Extra virgin adds fruitiness and depth; it’s the base that carries the garlic and broccoli flavors.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a strong, aromatic punch—you want it fragrant but not burnt.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to add a subtle, warming heat that livens up the sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the broccoli water, pasta, and sauce—don’t skip salting the boiling water!
Pasta: I recommend penne or any short pasta because it holds sauce well, making every bite tasty.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts beautifully and adds a salty, nutty finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing with this recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. Whether you want to add some protein or swap out the pasta for a gluten-free option, this dish is a great canvas for your creativity.

Variation: Adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp turns it into a hearty meal packed with protein, which is perfect if you’re looking for something more filling.
Vegan twist: Swap Parmesan for a nutritional yeast or vegan cheese to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
Seasonal changes: Feel free to toss in other veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Spice it up: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat tolerance – I sometimes add a bit more when I want a kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Broccoli Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Recipe

A white bowl filled with a single layer of small round pasta pieces mixed evenly with bright green pesto sauce that has a slightly chunky texture. The pasta looks tender and is coated generously with pesto, with small bits of herbs and nuts visible throughout. There is a light sprinkling of finely grated white cheese on top of the pasta, adding texture and contrast. A gold-colored spoon is partially resting inside the bowl, leaning against the edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some scattered cheese and red pepper flakes around, and a piece of toasted bread is partially visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook and Prep the Broccoli

I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—salting the water is so crucial because it flavors everything from the get-go. Then, I add the broccoli florets and cook them for about 5 minutes, just until they’re tender but still vibrant and slightly crunchy. After that, I scoop out the broccoli and reserve about half a cup of the cooking water—it’s pure gold for the sauce!

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Mash Broccoli

Next, I heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In goes the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, which I cook just until fragrant—watch closely so the garlic doesn't burn! Then, I add the cooked broccoli florets along with the reserved broccoli water. Using a spoon, I mash the broccoli into the oil and garlic, stirring and cooking for about 10 minutes until it softens into a mash that’ll become our sauce base.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While I’m working on the broccoli mash, I pop the pasta into the same pot of boiling broccoli water—the salt in the water really seasons the noodles well. I cook the pasta until al dente, which usually takes a minute or two less than the package suggests to keep a perfect bite.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

I drain the pasta, reserving a little extra pasta water just in case we need to loosen the sauce. Then I add the pasta right into the skillet with the broccoli mash, tossing in lots of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. I stir everything together over low heat, adding splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. A few twists of pepper and a pinch of salt later, it’s ready to serve.

Top Tip

This recipe has taught me that a few small touches make all the difference, and I want you to get that perfect balance of creamy, garlicky goodness every time.

Don’t skip salting the water: It’s the secret behind well-seasoned pasta and broccoli, meaning you won’t need to add extra salt later.
Mash the broccoli well: This builds a silky sauce texture without extra cream—just olive oil and cheese.
Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt the same or give you that fresh cheesy kick.
Adjust consistency with reserved water: Keep that broccoli and pasta water handy; it’s perfect for loosening or reheating the dish.

How to Serve Broccoli Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra grated Parmesan on top and adding fresh cracked black pepper just before serving. Sometimes I toss a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch, which gives it a nice nutty contrast that my family really enjoys.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or some warm crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. When I want a heartier meal, a simple roasted chicken or garlic butter shrimp work perfectly to complement the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual shallow bowls garnished with fresh basil or parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. It brightens up the flavors and makes it feel a little more festive, great for a cozy dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover broccoli pasta stores really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I find the sauce thickens as it cools, so make sure to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep it saucy and fresh-tasting.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a couple times with success, though I recommend slightly undercooking the pasta if you plan to freeze it, so it doesn’t turn mushy. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm it slowly on the stovetop with a splash of pasta water or broth, stirring often. This prevents the broccoli from drying out and helps the Parmesan melt back into a smooth sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

You absolutely can! Frozen broccoli works fine, but keep in mind it tends to be softer and releases more water, so your sauce might be a bit looser. I recommend adjusting cooking time and seasoning accordingly.

What pasta shapes work best for Broccoli Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Recipe?

Shorter pasta shapes like penne, orecchiette, or rigatoni are ideal because they hold the broccoli and cheese sauce well, giving you delicious bites each time.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Instead of Parmesan, try nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative. Use more garlic and olive oil to boost flavor. The texture may be a bit different, but it’s still very tasty.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Garlic burns easily if cooked too hot or too long. Cook it over medium heat and watch it closely, stirring frequently. As soon as it becomes fragrant and golden, add the broccoli to cool things down.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s one of those dishes where every bite feels cozy, cheesy, and satisfying without spending hours cooking. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll soon see why it’s such a go-to for busy nights or when you just want something wholesome and delicious on the table.