Miley Broccoli Pasta is the perfect pasta dinner recipe for busy nights! Tender florets and noodles are mixed in with garlic and olive oil for a simple meal that is the definition of comforting!
Saying goodbye to complicated dinners can be bittersweet, but here’s the upside: You get to start making calm comfort food again! There are a number of different recipes that you could choose to make life easier with, but my mission today is to convince you to pick this Broccoli Pasta. It. Is. Fabulous. And to those of you who “don’t like veggies”, DON’T WORRY! The broccoli in this recipe turns bright green and flavorful, while not being boring. Trust me on this one!
Pasta and tender broccoli are combined with garlic, olive oil, and more, and tossed until everything feels balanced. Oh, and then all of that is topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Because (life tip) cheese makes everything better.
So, if you’re looking for an opportunity to calm down your weekly pasta dinner, here’s a golden one. ‘Tis the season of simple homemade meals, after all.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Some recipes win you over because they keep things simple, and this broccoli pasta does exactly that. It delivers comfort, flavor, and ease all in one bowl.
Simple ingredients: Everything comes together with pantry basics and fresh broccoli.
Quick cooking: Dinner hits the table fast, perfect for busy evenings.
Balanced flavor: Garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan keep it rich without feeling heavy.
Custom friendly: You can add protein or extra vegetables easily.
Family favorite: Even picky eaters tend to enjoy this one.
Light but filling: Pasta satisfies while broccoli keeps it fresh.
Ingredients
For the Broccoli Pasta:
- 1 head broccoli, large, cut into small florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces orecchiette pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional additions:
- Extra Parmesan for serving
- Lemon zest for brightness
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a steady boil. Add the orecchiette and cook until just tender, following the package timing. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks. Before draining, scoop out about one cup of pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and keep it warm.
2. Blanch the Broccoli
While the pasta cooks, drop the broccoli florets into the same boiling water during the last two to three minutes. This keeps them bright and tender. Drain the broccoli with the pasta or scoop it out with a slotted spoon if you prefer firmer pieces.
3. Warm the Olive Oil
Place a wide pan over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Let it heat gently until it shimmers. Avoid rushing this step since warm oil helps the garlic release flavor without burning.
4. Cook the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the oil and stir constantly for about thirty seconds. The garlic should smell fragrant but stay pale. This step builds the base flavor for the entire dish.
5. Add Broccoli
Tip the broccoli into the pan with the garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently so the florets pick up the oil and garlic. Cook for two minutes until everything feels well combined.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the pan along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together so the starch from the water helps coat the pasta and broccoli evenly.
7. Finish with Cheese and Spice
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Stir gently until the cheese melts and forms a glossy coating. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Taste and Adjust
Give the pasta a final taste. Add more salt, pepper, or cheese until it feels just right. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Add lemon zest right before serving for a fresh lift.
- Pecorino works well if you want a sharper bite.
- Grilled chicken or shrimp fit in easily.
- Stir in a spoon of ricotta for a softer texture.
- Increase red pepper flakes for more heat.
Serving Suggestions
Broccoli pasta works beautifully on its own, but it also pairs well with simple sides. A crisp green salad with lemon dressing keeps the meal light and fresh. Warm garlic bread adds crunch and makes the bowl feel extra cozy.
When I serve this for guests, I place extra Parmesan and chili flakes on the table. Everyone adjusts their bowl just the way they like it, and it always disappears fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, short pasta like fusilli or rigatoni works great.
Does frozen broccoli work?
It does, though fresh broccoli gives better texture. Thaw and drain it well first.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
How do I reheat it?
Warm it on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil.
Can I make it vegan?
Swap Parmesan with a plant based cheese or nutritional yeast.
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Pasta shows how simple cooking can still feel special. Garlic, olive oil, pasta, and broccoli come together in a way that feels comforting
Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
For the Broccoli Pasta:
- 1 head broccoli large, cut into small florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces orecchiette pasta
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Optional additions:
- Extra Parmesan for serving
- Lemon zest for brightness
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a steady boil. Add the orecchiette and cook until just tender, following the package timing. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks. Before draining, scoop out about one cup of pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and keep it warm.
- Blanch the Broccoli: While the pasta cooks, drop the broccoli florets into the same boiling water during the last two to three minutes. This keeps them bright and tender. Drain the broccoli with the pasta or scoop it out with a slotted spoon if you prefer firmer pieces.
- Warm the Olive Oil: Place a wide pan over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Let it heat gently until it shimmers. Avoid rushing this step since warm oil helps the garlic release flavor without burning.
- Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the oil and stir constantly for about thirty seconds. The garlic should smell fragrant but stay pale. This step builds the base flavor for the entire dish.
- Add Broccoli: Tip the broccoli into the pan with the garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently so the florets pick up the oil and garlic. Cook for two minutes until everything feels well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together so the starch from the water helps coat the pasta and broccoli evenly.
- Finish with Cheese and Spice: Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Stir gently until the cheese melts and forms a glossy coating. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the pasta a final taste. Add more salt, pepper, or cheese until it feels just right. Serve hot.
