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); 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 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 deeply comforting about this simple, vibrant dish — the earthy broccoli melds perfectly with sharp, nutty Parmesan, making it a go-to for quick weeknight dinners. I’m excited to share my Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe because it’s easy, flavorful, and has that satisfying homemade feel that you’ll want again and again.

A silver pan filled with a large amount of small white shell pasta covered in a bright green sauce, likely pesto, with a slightly chunky texture. The pasta shells are well coated and mixed, and there is a sprinkling of fine white grated cheese on top, adding a light contrast to the green. The background shows a white marbled surface, and the pan’s edges are slightly worn. The image is clear and close up, showing the texture of the pasta and sauce in detail 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

This Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to for its bright flavors and simple prep. It’s a perfect balance of healthy and indulgent, plus it’s so versatile you can tweak it to your mood or pantry.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh broccoli, making it both accessible and affordable.
Minimal Fuss: One skillet and pot needed, which means less cleanup and more time for you to relax.
Comforting Flavor: The combination of garlic, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan creates a rich, cozy taste.
Flexible Meal: Easily customizable with proteins or different pasta shapes to suit your preferences.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe relies on a handful of ingredients that play off each other perfectly. The fresh broccoli brings a subtle bitterness and crunch, while the Parmesan adds a creamy saltiness that coats the pasta beautifully.

Flat lay of a large head of broccoli cut into small florets, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with red pepper flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, uncooked penne pasta arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, placed 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 florets give the best texture and vibrant flavor; make sure to cut them small so they cook evenly and mash nicely in the sauce.
Olive oil: Extra virgin for that fruity, grassy undertone that complements the broccoli and garlic.
Garlic: Minced finely to release its aroma and infuse the oil without overwhelming the dish.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds gentle heat and piquancy that wakes up the palate.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning; salt especially enhances the broccoli and pasta pasta water builds a great base.
Pasta (like penne): Short pasta holds onto the broccoli sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite shape.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is the key — it melts smoothly and brings savory depth that pre-grated cheese can’t match.

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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

While I love this recipe just as it is, I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or my mood. It’s very forgiving and rewarding to make your own version.

Variation: I’ve added crispy pancetta or sautéed shrimp for extra protein — it turns the dish into a hearty dinner without losing the fresh broccoli vibe.

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

A white bowl filled with a single layer of small round pasta pieces mixed evenly with bright green pesto sauce that has a slightly chunky texture. The pasta looks tender and is coated generously with pesto, with small bits of herbs and nuts visible throughout. There is a light sprinkling of finely grated white cheese on top of the pasta, adding texture and contrast. A gold-colored spoon is partially resting inside the bowl, leaning against the edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some scattered cheese and red pepper flakes around, and a piece of toasted bread is partially visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Blanch the Broccoli

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender. Don’t overdo it — you want them firm enough to mash, not mushy. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon into a bowl and save ½ cup of the boiling water before draining the rest. This starchy broccoli water will help create your sauce.

Step 2: Make the Broccoli Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes — you’ll smell that amazing aroma right away. Add the cooked broccoli along with the reserved broccoli water, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook and soften for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to mash the broccoli with a spoon or potato masher until it becomes a creamy yet chunky sauce. This step is where the magic happens — the broccoli melts into a savory base that clings to the pasta beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Use the same pot you boiled broccoli in, adding your pasta to the salted water (you can add fresh if needed). Cook the pasta until al dente — meaning tender but still a bit firm to the bite. Remember, it will finish cooking a bit when you toss it with the broccoli sauce, so don’t overcook. Once done, drain the pasta well but keep a little pasta water nearby just in case you want to loosen your sauce.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta straight into your skillet with the broccoli sauce. Stir in the fresh grated Parmesan cheese — it will melt right in and coat every bite with rich flavor. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen. Give everything a good mix and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as you like.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop into bowls and top with a little extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. This dish is best warm and fresh, but it reheats well too (I’ll share my tips below!).

Top Tip

From my experience making this broccoli pasta over and over, a few little tweaks can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Getting the broccoli just right, using that reserved cooking water, and fresh cheese are the keys to success.

Don’t Skip Salting the Water: I always generously salt the broccoli and pasta water. It infuses the ingredients and layers flavor that you can’t add later.
Mash the Broccoli Well: After cooking it down, mashing the broccoli releases its starches, thickening the sauce naturally. I gently mash with the back of a spoon, leaving some texture for a lovely rustic feel.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt the same way — the fresh stuff creates a silky sauce that clings beautifully.
Keep Broccoli Water: Reserving that starchy cooking liquid helps when your sauce needs thinning or when you reheat leftovers later on.

How to Serve Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper. Sometimes I add toasted pine nuts or a handful of fresh basil or parsley to brighten it up — that little herbaceous pop makes it feel a bit more special.

Side Dishes

This broccoli pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze. On busier nights, I turn to crunchy garlic bread on the side — it’s perfect for mopping up any sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve served this in individual mini cast iron skillets topped with a little extra Parmesan and fresh herbs — it’s charming and keeps the dish warm longer. Another time, I made a broccoli pasta bake by layering it with mozzarella and baking until golden and bubbly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps well for about 4 to 5 days. Sometimes the sauce thickens up when chilled, so I add a splash of water or broth while reheating to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

While I don’t often freeze this dish, if you do, freeze without the cheese and add fresh Parmesan after thawing. The texture might soften a bit, but it still makes a convenient meal when you’re short on time.

Reheating

I reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to loosen the sauce. This keeps the pasta from drying out and revives that fresh-made creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! Frozen broccoli can be used if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water, but the texture of the sauce might be softer.

What’s the best pasta shape for Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe?

Short pastas like penne or orecchiette are ideal because they hold the broccoli sauce well, but you can experiment with fusilli or rigatoni for different textures.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute Parmesan with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and use olive oil instead of butter if used. Keep in mind the taste will be different but still delicious!

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon all pair wonderfully with this recipe, turning it into a more filling meal. I often add leftovers of roasted chicken for a quick boost.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe is a little reminder that simple meals can be incredibly satisfying. It’s fresh, comforting, and comes together quickly — perfect for busy evenings when you want something homemade without the fuss. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) it as much as I do — it’s truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate!