This Easy Broccoli Pasta is a perfect dish for any occasion. It's quick, and delicious, plus, it's kid-approved so you can rest assured that your entire family will enjoy it.
Jump to:
- ❤️ Favorite things about this recipe
- 📝 Ingredients you'll need
- 🥣 Before you begin: essential tools
- 🥄 Step by step: instructions
- 👩🍳 Variations to make it your own
- 👍 Let's make the perfect recipe: Amira's tips
- 🧺 How to store leftovers
- ⌛ Make Ahead
- 🍽️ Perfect pairings: what to serve with
- 💬 Your questions answered: FAQs
- 📣 Related Recipes
- Broccoli Pasta
❤️ Favorite things about this recipe
- You only need a handful of ingredients so you don't have to worry about spending a lot of money at your local grocery stores to make this delicious meal.
- This is also a simple dish that comes together in under 30 minutes which means that it's perfect for busy weeknights.
- While this dish is easy to make, it also tastes great, so you can rest assured that the whole family will love it.
This creamy broccoli pasta recipe only takes a little bit of time to make and is a great way to sneak some vegetables into your meal for picky eaters. So, it's a win-win.
📝 Ingredients you'll need
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📋 Ingredient Notes / Variations
- Dry small pasta - You can use any type of pasta, however, I like to use the sea shell shaped pasta.
- Steamable broccoli - Look for the broccoli in the frozen section that you can steam in the bag.
- Extra virgin olive oil - I like to use a high-quality oil for the best flavor.
- Fresh garlic cloves - I like to use fresh garlic, however, you can also use jarred minced garlic or a teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Fresh lemon juice - To get the most lemon juice out of your lemon, roll it with the palm of your hand on the counter before squeezing it.
- Lemon zest - Wash your lemon before using a box grater or microplane to zest your lemon.
- Fresh parsley - Look for parsley that is bright green with no wilted leaves.
- Oregano - This will add a lovely earthy flavor to the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes - This is optional, if you are not a fan of spice you can leave it out.
- Grated parmesan cheese - I recommend that you use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor.
- Kosher salt - Table salt and sea salt will work in this pasta recipe.
🥣 Before you begin: essential tools
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- large pot
- glass jar with a lid or small bowl
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🥄 Step by step: instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Cook pasta according to package directions reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Steam broccoli per package directions in the microwave. You can also use fresh broccoli and steam on stovetop.
- In a jar with a lid mix all sauce ingredients.
- Pour half the pasta water into the jar, secure the lid and shake to combine.
- Return pasta and broccoli to the pot over medium heat then pour sauce over.
- Mix well until the cheese melts.
- Add more pasta water if necessary and taste to adjust the seasoning.
👩🍳 Variations to make it your own
- You can add some extra protein to this easy recipe, by adding in some cooked chicken or turkey to make it a full meal.
- I've found that it's better to purchase broccoli florets instead of broccoli cuts.
- If you are not a fan of spice you can leave the pinch of red pepper flakes out of this parmesan pasta.
- For additional flavor, you can also add black pepper and Italian seasoning to taste in this creamy lemon sauce.
👍 Let's make the perfect recipe: Amira's tips
- Since different types of pasta have different cooking times, make sure to check your package instructions for the correct cooking time for your brand and shape of pasta.
- Make sure you save a cup of the cooking water. The starchy water will help thicken your creamy sauce.
- Add the pasta water in small amounts at a time, so that your sauce does not become too thin.
🧺 How to store leftovers
Refrigerate - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze - You can also freeze this recipe in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat - Reheat the entire dish in a skillet over medium heat until warm. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin the sauce out if it's too thick. You can also reheat a single serving in the microwave for 1 minute or until warm.
⌛ Make Ahead
This recipe is best served fresh, however, if you want to save a little time in the kitchen, you can precook the pasta. Then coat the pasta in a light coating of olive oil before storing it in the fridge. Then add the pasta to the sauce, and reheat it until warm.
🍽️ Perfect pairings: what to serve with
- My family loves it when I serve simple pasta recipes like this one with a side salad like this Panera Bread Greek Salad and a side of Air Fryer Garlic Bread. If you are looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with this meal, check out these Cakesicles. They are perfect to make ahead.
💬 Your questions answered: FAQs
We like to cook the pasta until it's a little over al dente. However, you can cook it until the doneness that you desire.
We like to use the mini shells, however, any type of short-round pasta would also work.
📣 Related Recipes
- This Ricotta Cheese Pasta is another easy weeknight meal when you want some comfort food, and something simple to make.
- If you are looking for a one-pot meal to make for your family this week, then this Creamy Pasta Bake is for you. Made with ground beef, and a delicious sauce this meal will please the entire family.
- Tahini Pasta Sauce has a slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture. Toss your favorite cooked pasta in this simple sauce for a meal that is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Tender shrimp are combined with a luxurious, rich cream sauce in this Italian-inspired Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta dish. A 30-minute, one-pot restaurant quality dinner your family will never forget.
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Thank you.
Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry small pasta
- 1 bag 10oz Steam in broccoli
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large garlic cloves minced
- Juice of one lemon
- Zest of two lemons
- ½ cup fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt to taste
Optional:
- More parsley to garnish.
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Steam broccoli per package directions in the microwave. You can also use fresh broccoli and steam on stove top.
- In a jar with lid, mix all sauce ingredients.
- Pour half the pasta water into the jar, secure the lid an shake to combine.
- Return pasta and broccoli to the pot over medium heat then pour sauce over.
- Mix well until cheese melts.
- Add more pasta water if necessary and taste to adjust seasoning.
Notes
- Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.
Nutrition
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