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.
Easy broccoli pasta recipe with flavorful cream sauce that has a hint of lemon.
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Broccoli Pasta
- A great way to add more vegetables to your meal without much effort.
- 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 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.
Adaptable recipe – variations
- 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.
- Turn this into an Italian broccoli pasta and use pecorino cheese instead of parmesan cheese.
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.
- In a large pot of salted water, 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 of the reserved pasta water if necessary and taste to adjust the seasoning.
💬 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.
My notes
- 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 large 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.
More recipes you’ll love
- 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.
In this little house I have a lot of pasta monster and this one here is a surprisingly delicious pasta dish. I'd love to hear what is your favorite way to use a pound of pasta? Please leave a comment below!
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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Reg
This was a wonderful creamy side dish to our dinner tonight. It is super quick too. Thank you.