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)

Nothing beats a cozy, satisfying bowl of pasta like this Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe. It’s surprisingly simple, bursting with flavor, and I promise it’ll become your go-to weeknight comfort meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.

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 fell in love with this broccoli pasta because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but takes almost no time to pull together. Plus, it’s totally adaptable and perfect when you want something vibrant but comforting on your plate.

Simple yet flavorful: The garlic and red pepper flakes infuse the broccoli with a subtle kick that blends beautifully with sharp Parmesan.
One-pot marvel: Cooking the broccoli right in the pasta water saves time and boosts flavor without a fuss.
Flexible sides and add-ins: Whether you want it meatless or topped with grilled chicken, this dish adapts effortlessly.
Comfort food with a healthy twist: You get your greens and indulgence in one satisfying bowl.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe plays a key role. From the fresh broccoli shining through to the sharp intensity of fresh Parmesan, here’s the rundown on why these ingredients are the winning team in your bowl.

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 florets give the best texture and a vibrant green color—I always pick a firm, bright head.
Olive oil: Extra virgin adds fruity richness and helps garlic and spices bloom beautifully.
Garlic: Minced for just the right punch without overpowering the dish.
Red pepper flakes: A gentle heat lifts the mildness of broccoli and cheese.
Salt and pepper: Essential to season everything at the right moments for balanced flavor.
Pasta (penne): Holds the sauce wonderfully, but feel free to swap in orecchiette or your favorite shape.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth finish—trust me, it’s worth the extra effort.

📝

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

This recipe is super flexible—and I love mixing it up to suit what I have or my mood. Whether you want to keep it vegetarian or add some protein, making it your own makes every bite more fun.

Variation: One evening, I tossed in some crispy pancetta for a smoky twist that everyone adored. Try grilled chicken or shrimp if you want to bulk it up.
Spice it up: If you like more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil at the end.
Dairy-free: Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Seasonal greens: Enjoy swapping broccoli for asparagus or broccolini when in season for a fresh spin.

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 Perfect Tenderness

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your broccoli florets for about 5 minutes. This step softens the broccoli while keeping a lovely green color. Don’t skip salting the water—it seasons the florets right from the start. Once done, scoop the broccoli out into a bowl but reserve about half a cup of that vibrant cooking water; it’s magic for loosening up the sauce later.

Step 2: Infuse Flavors in the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until fragrant—usually 1-2 minutes. Then add the cooked broccoli and a splash of the reserved water. Cook and mash the broccoli gently with a spoon for about 10 minutes, turning it into a rough, flavorful sauce. This step really builds depth in the dish.

Step 3: Cook Pasta Al Dente

Now, back to that pot with the leftover broccoli water. Add your pasta of choice—penne works beautifully—and cook it al dente according to package instructions. This way, the pasta absorbs some of that broccoli flavor while cooking. Drain the pasta well, but feel free to keep a little pasta water just in case your sauce needs thinning.

Step 4: Combine and Finish with Parmesan

Add the drained pasta back into the skillet with your broccoli mash and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top. Stir everything together, letting the cheese melt and bind the sauce to the pasta. If it feels thick, add reserved pasta or broccoli water by the tablespoon until it reaches your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then it’s ready to serve.

Top Tip

From all my times cooking this Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe, a few simple tips have really leveled up my results. They’re little things you might overlook but trust me, they make the dish next-level delicious every single time.

Salting the Water: I always salt my pasta and broccoli water generously. It’s the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.
Fresh Parmesan is a Game-Changer: Pre-grated just doesn’t melt or taste the same. Freshly grating your Parmesan gives a creamier, richer sauce.
Don’t Skip Reserved Water: Keeping some cooking water to loosen the sauce helps you avoid drying out the pasta—it keeps everything silky and cohesive.
Patience Mashing Broccoli: Taking those few minutes to mash the broccoli in the skillet develops texture and flavor—you’ll thank yourself!

How to Serve Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this pasta with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a little drizzle of olive oil for shine. Sometimes I add toasted pine nuts or a handful of fresh basil or parsley leaves for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of that cheesy broccoli sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to plate this pasta in shallow bowls topped with edible flowers or microgreens to brighten the look. Serving it family-style with a big Parmesan wheel nearby lets guests add extra cheese, making it interactive and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating brings the sauce back to a lovely creamy consistency, so it never feels dry or clumpy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a couple of times with success. Just cool it completely, pack in a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a little extra water or broth.

Reheating

Reheating on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of reserved cooking water is my favorite method. It revives the sauce without drying it out and keeps the pasta tender but not mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

You can definitely use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. Just be aware that the sauce will be a little softer and less vibrant, but it still tastes great. Thaw and drain the broccoli well before adding it to the pan to avoid excess water in the sauce.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short, sturdy shapes like penne, orecchiette, or rigatoni work best because they hold the broccoli and cheese sauce well. You can also try twists or shells if you want a fun texture. Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair, which can get lost under the sauce.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Swap the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative. Also, use olive oil generously to add richness. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but you still get a tasty, comforting pasta with plenty of savory notes.

Can I add protein to this Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe?

Absolutely! This pasta pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon crumbles. Adding protein makes it a more filling meal and adds delicious complementary flavors without much effort.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan Recipe holds a cozy spot in my recipe box because it’s so fuss-free yet full of flavor—perfect for busy nights but just as great when you want to treat yourself. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do; it’s a lovely way to get a healthy meal on the table without sacrificing comfort or taste.