Name: Broccoli Pasta with 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); 12 ounces pasta (such as penne); 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper (to taste)

There’s something so comforting about a simple, vibrant pasta dish that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. This Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe strikes that perfect balance—it’s fresh, cheesy, and downright satisfying, making it a weeknight winner you’ll want to revisit again and again.

A close-up view of a large silver pan filled with orecchiette pasta coated evenly in a bright green pesto sauce. The small, round ear-shaped pasta pieces give a textured look, each piece covered in tiny bits of green herbs and oil from the pesto. On top, a light sprinkle of grated pale yellow cheese adds a soft contrast against the green pasta. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and the photo captures the fresh and creamy texture of the sauce along with the hearty pasta pieces. 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 Parmesan Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly fell in love with this Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe the first time I made it. The magic is in the way the broccoli transforms into this creamy, garlicky sauce that coats each pasta piece beautifully. It’s easy, fresh, and never boring.

Bright and Creamy Sauce: The broccoli doesn’t just add texture—it becomes the base of a luscious sauce that’s surprisingly simple but full of flavor.
Quick and Budget-Friendly: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh broccoli.
Endless Customization: Whether you want to keep it vegetarian or add your favorite protein, the recipe invites you to make it your own.
Perfect Weeknight Meal: It’s fuss-free, filling, and a crowd-pleaser, making dinner stress melt away.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a starring role here, coming together to build a dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Plus, I’ve found some simple shopping tips to make your prep even easier.

Flat lay of fresh green broccoli florets, three whole uncracked garlic cloves with smooth white skins, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl containing bright red crushed red pepper flakes, a cluster of whole black peppercorns and coarse salt grains artfully placed nearby, uncooked pale yellow penne pasta pieces neatly arranged, and a small white ceramic bowl heaping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all perfectly spaced and symmetrically arranged 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 broccoli florets bring vibrant color and turn into a silky sauce; fresh is best, but frozen works if you're in a pinch.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps marry all the flavors in the sauce.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with that unmistakable warmth and depth of flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch gives it a lovely subtle heat that keeps things interesting.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors in both pasta and broccoli.
Pasta (penne or similar): I like short pasta because it holds the sauce well and makes for easy eating.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, adding that nutty, salty finish.

📝

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 tweaking this Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe depending on what I have on hand. It’s super flexible, so you can make it as simple or as hearty as you like.

Variation: When I want a protein boost, I’ll toss in some grilled chicken or crispy bacon – it’s seriously delicious either way.
Seasonal Twist: In spring, I swap out half the broccoli for tender asparagus or peas for a lighter vibe.
Cheese Swap: Sometimes I mix Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for an extra tang.
Spice Level: Feel free to dial up the red pepper flakes if you enjoy a kick.

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

A white plate filled with small round pasta mixed with green pesto sauce, giving the pasta a textured, slightly chunky green coating. The dish is topped with a light sprinkle of grated white cheese, scattered unevenly across the surface. A gold fork rests partially under the pasta on the left side of the plate. The pasta shapes show ridges and small hollow centers, allowing the sauce to cling well. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some crumbs and flakes scattered nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Blanch the Broccoli for Brightness and Softness

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook them for about 5 minutes until they’re tender but still bright green. Then, scoop them out into a bowl but don’t throw away the water — you’ll need half a cup for the sauce. I always find this step crucial because it gives the broccoli that perfect texture and color.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Broccoli Sauce

In a large skillet, warm your olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting the garlic soften without burning — this should take about 1-2 minutes, and the aroma is the best kitchen pick-me-up. Now add the blanched broccoli and reserved broccoli water. Let everything cook together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is soft enough to mash with a spoon. This slow melding is where the magic happens, creating a creamy, garlicky base that clings to your pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Al Dente

Use the same pot, now with that flavorful broccoli water, to cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to salt that water well – it’s your first seasoning step. And before you drain, save a cup of pasta water; it’s a secret weapon if your sauce needs loosening later.

Step 4: Combine and Finish with Parmesan

Drain the pasta and add it straight to the skillet with the mashed broccoli sauce. Toss in all that freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir to combine everything evenly. If the sauce feels thick, splash in a little reserved pasta water to get it perfectly saucy. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This step is when the dish really comes together—rich, creamy, and just the right amount of bite.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Scoop the pasta onto plates, top with a bit more Parmesan if you like, and dig in. I usually pair this with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to make it complete and satisfying.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that keep this Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe bright and flavorful every single time. These tips helped me avoid soggy broccoli and bland pasta, so I’m passing them on to you!

Don’t Skip Salting the Water: It may seem small, but the salt in the water seasons both your broccoli and pasta from the inside out, elevating the whole dish.
Mash the Broccoli While It Cooks: This creates a creamy texture that makes the sauce delightfully clingy.
Use Fresh Parmesan Only: Pre-grated cheese tends to be dry and won’t melt as beautifully, so take the extra minute to grate it fresh.
Reserve Pasta Water: Having that starchy water on hand lets you adjust the sauce’s consistency perfectly without watering down flavor.

How to Serve Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I swear by a sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan on top—it just hits differently. Sometimes I add a little lemon zest or a handful of toasted pine nuts for a lovely crunch, especially when I want to impress guests without extra fuss.

Side Dishes

My go-to side with this broccoli pasta is a crisp mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette—balancing the creamy richness. Crusty garlic bread is another favorite, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served this pasta nestled in shallow bowls with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of good olive oil. Sometimes I’ll even add a poached egg on top—everyone loves that extra indulgence!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When I reheat, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce because it tends to thicken as it sits.

Freezing

I usually avoid freezing this pasta because the sauce can become grainy, but if you must, freeze it without the cheese and add fresh Parmesan when you reheat.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little reserved pasta water or broth, stirring often, so the sauce loosens up and the pasta doesn’t dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works well if fresh isn’t available, but it will create a softer sauce, so be gentle when mashing to avoid a mushy texture.

What type of pasta works best for broccoli pasta with Parmesan recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, orecchiette, or rigatoni absorb and hold the broccoli sauce better, but you can use spaghetti or linguine if that’s what you have.

Can I make this Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the Parmesan for a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast, and use a plant-based olive oil to keep it vegan-friendly.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking in this recipe?

Make sure to use plenty of salted boiling water and stir the pasta a few times during cooking to prevent sticking. Saving some pasta water before draining is also key to a smooth sauce.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe has become a comfort staple for me on busy nights and those times when I just want something uncomplicated but delicious. It’s proof that simple ingredients, treated with a bit of care, can create magic in your bowl. Give it a try—you’ll see how easy it is to make dinner feel both cozy and a little special.