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); 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 wonderfully simple and comforting about this Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe that makes it a go-to dinner in my house. The creamy, garlicky broccoli sauce paired with freshly grated Parmesan turns everyday pasta into a savory delight you won’t want to skip.

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 recipe the first time I made it. It’s like comfort food but with a fresh, veggie twist that feels light but still utterly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast yet impressive.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these basics already, which means you can whip this up on a whim.
Easy to Customize: >Add protein or spice it up – this recipe handles all kinds of tweaks beautifully.
Fresh and Flavorful: >The broccoli and garlic blend into a rich, creamy sauce that feels indulgent without heavy cream.
Quick to Make: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver when time is tight but flavor matters.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe plays an essential role. The fresh broccoli creates that velvety sauce, enhanced by fragrant garlic and olive oil, while Parmesan adds that irresistible savory note. Choosing fresh and quality basics helps elevate the dish effortlessly.

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 works best for vibrant color and flavor, but frozen can suffice in a pinch.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin adds richness and depth to the sauce—don't skimp here.
Garlic: Minced fresh for that punchy aroma that wakes up the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch to give a subtle, warming kick.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning at every step to build layers of flavor.
Pasta: Short pastas like penne or orecchiette hold the sauce beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated so it melts seamlessly into the broccoli sauce—pre-grated won’t quite do the trick.

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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 making this Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe my own by switching up the heat level or adding a little protein. Sometimes I toss in sautéed shrimp for a quick upgrade, or sprinkle toasted pine nuts for crunch. You can easily make it vegan too with a Parmesan alternative!

Add Protein: Grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or even chickpeas make the dish more filling and hearty.
Spice it Up: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Go Vegan: Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute to keep it dairy-free.
Different Pasta Shapes: Short pastas like rigatoni or farfalle also work well to scoop up the sauce.

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

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the broccoli florets and let them cook for about 5 minutes until tender but still bright green. This step softens the broccoli enough to mash easily later. Then, scoop out the broccoli with a slotted spoon and set it aside in a bowl. Don’t toss the water yet — you’ll reserve half a cup of this flavorful broccoli water to add moisture later.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant but not browned—just about 1 minute. Next, add the cooked broccoli and the reserved broccoli water. Let everything cook together for 10 minutes, stirring often, until you can mash the broccoli easily with the back of a spoon. This pounding step transforms the broccoli into a creamy, rustic sauce packed with flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While your broccoli sauce simmers, add the pasta to the same pot of salted broccoli water and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Using the same water strengthens the flavor connection between the pasta and broccoli. Once cooked, drain the pasta and save a little pasta water just in case the sauce needs loosening up later.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Transfer the drained pasta into the skillet with your broccoli mixture. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan and gently toss everything together over low heat. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Taste, and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan for that final cheesy punch.

Top Tip

From my experience making this dish many times, a few little tricks really help you nail this Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe every time. These tips will save you from watery sauce or bland bites, promising you that perfect balance of creaminess and flavor.

Salt the water generously: It seems small but seasoning both broccoli and pasta water ensures each bite is perfectly flavored.
Freshly grate the Parmesan: It melts and blends much better than pre-grated, giving you that lush texture in the sauce.
Mash the broccoli well: This step brings out the creaminess and makes the broccoli feel almost like a pesto-style sauce.
Reserve pasta water: When reheating leftovers, splash in a bit to refresh and loosen the sauce without drying it out.

How to Serve Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this pasta with a little extra Parmesan scattered over the top because, honestly, more cheese never hurts! Sometimes I sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a scatter of fresh parsley for texture and color. A drizzle of good quality olive oil at the end always feels like a luxurious touch.

Side Dishes

Since this pasta is filling on its own, I like serving it with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Crusty bread or garlic bread pairs well too for sopping up any extra sauce. On cozier nights, roasted chicken or grilled shrimp alongside creates a full meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve tried serving this pasta in individual bowls layered with thin slices of grilled lemon or topped with crispy prosciutto shards. You can also turn it into a baked casserole by mixing with extra cheese and baking until golden—perfect when you want something make-ahead and impressive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover broccoli pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. I recommend stirring it gently before storing to avoid it clumping together. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to minimize condensation.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this pasta because fresh Parmesan and broccoli do best fresh, but if you must, freeze in small portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with added pasta water to keep the sauce smooth. Texture might be slightly softer after freezing.

Reheating

Reheating on the stovetop in a skillet with a splash of water or broth works best to avoid drying out the sauce. You can also microwave leftovers covered, stopping every 30 seconds to stir. Adding a little oil or extra cheese freshens the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli for this Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe?

Yes! Frozen broccoli will work just fine, but expect a softer texture and less vibrant color in the sauce. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking to reduce excess water.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, orecchiette, or rigatoni work best because their nooks and crevices hold the broccoli sauce beautifully, giving you flavorful bites every time.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Swap out the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or a plant-based Parmesan alternative. Also, consider adding a splash of plant milk or extra olive oil to keep the sauce creamy.

Can I prepare this pasta in advance?

Yes, you can make the broccoli sauce and pasta separately ahead of time, but I recommend combining and reheating just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe is one of those dishes I find myself coming back to again and again because it feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple ingredients that come together to make something special. If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful meal that reminds you fresh ingredients don’t need to be complicated, this is it. Try making it your own and enjoy every comforting, cheesy bite!