Zesty Garden-Fresh Broccoli Pasta Recipe For Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that pack serious flavor, and this broccoli pasta recipe delivers on every front.

Tender pasta swirls around vibrant green florets, creating a delightful harmony of textures and tastes.

Garlic and parmesan cheese dance together, infusing each bite with rich, comforting notes.

The sauce coats every strand with creamy, savory goodness that makes this dish irresistible.

Nutritious and satisfying, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes.

You’ll love how effortlessly this pasta comes together, making it a perfect go-to for busy evenings.

One forkful and you’ll understand why this broccoli pasta is about to become your new weeknight favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Broccoli Pasta

• Pasta Shells: Perfectly shaped pasta that cradles the creamy sauce and captures broccoli bits, choose high-quality durum wheat shells for best texture.
• Broccoli: Fresh, vibrant green florets packed with nutrients, select crisp, compact heads without yellow spots for maximum flavor.

• Butter: Creates rich, velvety base for sauce, opt for unsalted European-style butter for deeper taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that adds depth, choose fresh, firm cloves without sprouts for intense flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Provides savory liquid foundation, select low-sodium version to control overall saltiness.
• Half and Half: Brings luxurious creaminess, pick organic for smoother, more authentic taste.

• Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness without texture, select pure powder without additives.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that complements creamy dishes, use dried thyme for consistent flavor.
• Salt: Essential flavor booster, choose fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Oregano: Provides Mediterranean warmth, select high-quality dried oregano for robust taste.
• Parsley: Fresh, bright herb for garnish, pick vibrant green leaves with minimal wilting.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy finish, use fresh-squeezed for maximum zestiness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that creates ultimate comfort, grate fresh for best melting quality.

Tools to Help with Broccoli Pasta Prep

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking the entire dish with even heat distribution.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect flavor balance.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping broccoli and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Helps cut broccoli florets into uniform pieces.
• Silicone spatula: Perfect for gently mixing cheese and preventing pan scratching.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.

How to Cook Broccoli Pasta the Way

• Cooking Preparation

Set up your kitchen workspace with all necessary tools and ingredients. Chop broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and quick preparation.

• Butter and Garlic Foundation

Warm a large skillet and gently melt butter. Add minced garlic, creating a fragrant base that will infuse the entire dish with rich flavor.

• Liquid and Flavor Blend

Pour chicken broth and cream into the skillet. Sprinkle in herbs and seasonings, creating a smooth, aromatic sauce that will coat the pasta perfectly.

• Pasta and Broccoli Cooking

Add pasta shells to the simmering liquid, ensuring they’re fully submerged. During the final cooking minutes, introduce broccoli florets, allowing them to become tender and absorb the delicious sauce.

• Final Touches

Remove skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice and fold in Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy, tangy finish that brings all flavors together.

• Serving

Let the sauce rest and slightly thicken. Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve alongside crispy garlic bread for a complete meal.

Broccoli Pasta Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

• Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, fontina, or gouda for unique flavor profiles and creamy texture variations.
• Boost the dish's nutritional value by adding cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp to create a heartier meal.
• Replace broccoli with seasonal vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or cauliflower to keep the recipe fresh and exciting throughout the year.
• Introduce heat by sprinkling red pepper flakes, adding a dash of cayenne, or mixing in some hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick of spiciness.
• Substitute regular pasta shells with gluten-free alternatives made from rice, chickpea, or quinoa to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.

Serving Broccoli Pasta with Simplicity

• Family Dinner Centerpiece: Create a warm, inviting dining experience by placing the broccoli pasta in a large, rustic serving bowl that showcases the vibrant green broccoli and creamy sauce.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the pasta's rich flavors with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the creamy texture and enhances the dish's herbal notes.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Side: Serve alongside a simple Greek salad with feta cheese, cucumber, and kalamata olives to add a fresh, tangy contrast to the comforting pasta dish.
• Protein Boost Option: Top with grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp for additional protein, transforming the pasta into a more substantial meal that satisfies heartier appetites.

Storage Tips for Broccoli Pasta

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The dish maintains its creamy texture when gently reheated with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for convenient future meals. Best consumed within 2 months for optimal taste and texture.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Repurpose cold pasta as a delightful next-day lunch. Toss with extra fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil to refresh the flavors and add brightness.
• Smart Ingredient Prep: Chop broccoli and grate Parmesan cheese in advance to streamline cooking time. Keep prepared ingredients in separate sealed containers in the refrigerator for easy weeknight meal assembly.

Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy broccoli pasta blends Italian comfort with wholesome ingredients for a quick weeknight dinner. Green florets meld perfectly with al dente noodles, creating a satisfying meal you can savor in less than 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lb (226 g) medium pasta shells
• 3 ½ cups broccoli florets, uncooked
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 4 tbsps (56 g) butter
• 1 ¼ cups (296 mL) half and half
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tsps lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Gather ingredients and chop broccoli into uniform bite-sized florets for consistent cooking and efficient preparation.
2. Flavor Foundation: In a spacious skillet over medium heat, melt butter until golden and aromatic, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Liquid Integration: Whisk chicken broth, half and half, onion powder, thyme, salt, oregano, and parsley into a smooth, harmonious base.
4. Pasta Immersion: Submerge pasta shells in the simmering liquid, bringing to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and partially cover the skillet.
5. Combined Cooking: Simultaneously cook pasta according to package guidelines while introducing broccoli florets during the final six minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
6. Texture Verification: Sample a pasta shell to confirm perfect al dente consistency, adjusting cooking time if needed.
7. Final Touches: Remove skillet from heat, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and gently fold in Parmesan cheese using a soft spatula to create a luxurious, creamy sauce.
8. Serving Presentation: Allow sauce to slightly thicken during a brief resting period. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside crispy cheese-topped garlic bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Chop Precisely: Cut broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets to guarantee even cooking and prevent uneven texture.
• Butter Browning Technique: Melt butter slowly until it turns golden and releases a nutty aroma, enhancing overall flavor depth.
• Liquid Integration Trick: Whisk broth, half and half, and seasonings thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended sauce without lumps.
• Final Flourish: Rest the dish briefly after cooking to allow sauce to thicken naturally and develop richer, more intense flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg