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    Home » Pasta

    Broccoli Pasta

    Published: Sep 15, 2023 · by Nico Pallotta

    Jump to Recipe

    Our broccoli pasta is a creamy, tasty, and healthy recipe combining an irresistibly creamy sauce with al dente pasta.

    This Italian-inspired recipe will surely please the pickiest of eaters because of its rich taste and luscious texture. Plus, you can make it in 20 minutes with a few simple ingredients.

    broccoli pasta in a bowl
    On this page:
    • Ingredients & Substitutions
    • How to make broccoli pasta
    • Serving suggestions
    • Storage
    • More pasta recipes
    • More broccoli recipes
    • Recipe

    I know broccoli doesn't sound that appealing, but trust us: this pasta with broccoli is one of the most satisfying yet healthy pasta dishes you'll ever try.

    The combination of a creamy broccoli sauce and al dente pasta is spot on!

    The recipe is excellent for a last-minute dinner. Kids and picky adults will love this - this was one of my favorite pasta dishes growing up.

    The recipe takes inspiration from Italian cuisine, and it's especially popular in the south in and around the Apulia region.

    You'll love this recipe's simplicity, delicious taste, creamy texture, and wholesome ingredients.

    Broccoli pasta with mashed broccoli

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    broccoli pasta ingredients

    Quantities are in the recipe box at the bottom of the page.

    Pasta

    When choosing pasta, try to go for something made in Italy. It's healthier and of generally higher quality. Please read the label; it should be made with durum wheat semolina.

    We recommend a short pasta type here. Orecchiette pasta is most traditional with this sauce, but you can also use farfalle, fusilli, conchiglie, penne, rotini, rigatoni, etc.

    Broccoli

    Use fresh broccoli for best results, although you can also use frozen ones if you have those in your freezer.

    You can use broccoli florets and leaves if some are attached to the broccoli head.

    We recommend saving the larger stems for a delicious broccoli soup.

    Olive oil

    Try to use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.

    Compared to regular olive oil, extra virgin is fruitier, nuttier, and more flavorful in general. It also contains more antioxidants, which are good for us.

    Garlic

    Fresh garlic enhances the flavor of the broccoli. Our tip is to grate it finely or press it with a garlic press.

    Red pepper flakes

    Pasta with broccoli should have a mild, spicy mouthfeel. A pinch of red pepper flakes helps do just that.

    Substitute cayenne pepper or chili powder for red pepper flakes.

    Salt and pepper

    You'll need sea salt or kosher salt to season the pasta cooking water and the sauce. Black pepper is optional.

    Parmesan cheese

    Grated parmesan cheese is a match made in heaven with the broccoli sauce.

    The original recipe is without parmesan cheese; they use anchovies to boost the dish's umami.

    If you are vegan, you can make pasta with broccoli without cheese or use a non-dairy cheese alternative.

    pasta with broccoli in a bowl

    How to make broccoli pasta

    Start with the broccoli sauce

    Cut the broccoli into small florets. Boil them in a large pot of salted water for 5 minutes or until fork tender but not fully cooked.

    Tip: we recommend cooking the broccoli in 1 gallon (4 liters) of water seasoned with 1½ tablespoons (20 grams) of sea salt.

    boiling the broccoli in water

    In a large skillet, heat the oil, then add grated garlic and red pepper flakes and fry them for 1 minute on low heat.

    Take the broccoli out of the water with a slotted spoon (do not discard the water) and add them to the skillet.

    Add a ladleful of the reserved cooking water and simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes or until soft. Now, mash them with a fork to make the broccoli sauce.

    broccoli sauce

    Stir in the pasta

    While the broccoli simmer, cook the pasta in the same large pot of water where you cooked the broccoli.

    Cook as per package instructions minus 2 minutes.

    Tip: cooking the pasta in the same water where you cook the broccoli will infuse it with flavor.

    boiling pasta in the same pot

    Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Reserve a cup of pasta water and add half to the pan with the sauce.

    pasta tossed into the broccoli sauce

    Finish cooking the pasta on medium heat for about a minute while stirring and mixing it with the sauce. Add more pasta water if necessary.

    Turn the heat off when the pasta is al dente and stir in the grated parmesan cheese.

    Taste and adjust for salt and black pepper and serve immediately.

    broccoli pasta in dutch oven

    Serving suggestions

    This broccoli pasta recipe is a nutritious and fulfilling main dish and doesn't require much else on the side to have it as a complete meal.

    Some recipes suggest adding a squeeze of lemon juice and grated lemon zest on top.

    We don't do that, but feel free to do so if you like to add a fresh, zesty, and citrusy flavor.

    Broccoli pasta with mashed broccoli and a silver fork

    If you want to pair it with something with more protein, then we can recommend:

    • Easy chickpea salad
    • Delicious tofu with mushroom recipe
    • Mediterranean-inspired cauliflower and lentil salad
    • Easy fried tofu cubes (you can toss them in with the pasta)
    • Quick air-fryer tofu cubes (you can toss them in with the pasta)
    • Marinated tofu
    • chickpea salad with a fork
      Chickpea Salad
    • tofu mushroom recipe
      Tofu Mushroom Recipe
    • tofu with pizzaiola sauce
      Tofu with Pizzaiola Sauce
    • lemon tofu on a white plate
      Lemon Tofu
    • cauliflower lentil salad
      Cauliflower Lentil Salad
    • Fried tofu with fork
      Fried Tofu
    • crispy air fryer tofu
      Air Fryer Tofu
    • marinated tofu on rice
      Marinated Tofu

    Storage

    Make ahead: As with most pasta recipes, this broccoli pasta is at its best if you eat it right off the skillet soon after making it.

    Refrigerator: To store the leftovers, let the pasta cool down completely, then transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Reheat: Heat it in the microwave, adding two tablespoons of water as the pasta dries in the fridge. You can also warm it in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil.

    Freezing: We don't recommend freezing this recipe.

    More pasta recipes

    Are you looking for more ideas for delicious pasta recipes? Check out our:

    • Incredible lentil bolognese
    • Our best vegan mushroom pasta
    • Creamy butternut squash pasta
    • Roasted red pepper pasta
    • Garlic and oil cauliflower pasta
    • Simple spaghetti pomodoro with fresh basil
    • Eggplant pasta (Italian pasta alla Norma)
    • Pasta with marinara sauce
    • Lentil Bolognese on a plate with fork
      Lentil Bolognese
    • vegan mushroom pasta with fettuccine pasta
      Vegan Mushroom Pasta
    • Butternut pasta with fork
      Butternut Squash Pasta
    • creamy roasted red pepper pasta
      Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

    More broccoli recipes

    Get more green and wholesome recipe ideas with these easy meals and sides:

    • Broccoli soup
    • Roasted broccoli
    • Creamy broccoli salad
    • Stir fry with tofu
    • Broccoli salad in a white bowl
      Broccoli Salad
    • Baked broccoli with lemon and garlic
      Roasted Broccoli
    • broccoli soup
      Broccoli Soup
    • Tofu stir fry with sticks and noodles
      Tofu Stir Fry

    For many more pasta ideas, check out our pasta category page.

    Recipe

    broccoli pasta

    Broccoli Pasta

    Author: Nico Pallotta
    Our broccoli pasta is a creamy, tasty, and healthy recipe combining an irresistibly creamy sauce with al dente pasta.
    This Italian-inspired recipe will surely please the pickiest of eaters because of its rich taste and luscious texture.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe
    5 from 12 votes
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Main
    Cuisine American Italian
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 471 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 12 ounces orecchiette pasta or any other
    • 1 pound broccoli 2 medium heads
    • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic grated
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 1 handful grated parmesan cheese or dairy-free alternative
    • 1 pinch salt & black pepper to taste
    Keep screen on

    Instructions
     

    • Cut 1 pound broccoli into small florets. Boil them in a large pot of salted water for 5 minutes.
      Tip: we recommend cooking the broccoli in 1 gallon (4 liters) of water seasoned with 1½ tablespoons (20 grams) of sea salt.
      boiling the broccoli in water
    • In a large skillet, fry 2 cloves garlic (grated) and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes in 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for 1 minute on low heat.
      Take the broccoli out of the water with a slotted spoon (do not discard the water) and add them to the skillet.
      Add 1 cup of the reserved cooking water and simmer for 10 minutes, then mash the broccoli with a fork.
      broccoli sauce
    • In the meantime, cook 12 ounces orecchiette pasta in the same large pot of water where you cooked the broccoli.
      Cook as per package instructions minus 2 minutes.
      boiling pasta in the same pot
    • Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Reserve a cup of pasta water and add half to the pan with the sauce.
      pasta tossed into the broccoli sauce
    • Finish cooking the pasta on medium heat for about a minute while stirring it in the sauce. Add more pasta water if necessary.
      When the pasta is al dente, turn the heat off and stir in 1 handful grated parmesan cheese.
      Taste and adjust for salt and pepper and serve immediately.
      broccoli pasta in dutch oven
    • You can add a sprinkle of parmesan and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top.
      Broccoli pasta with mashed broccoli

    Notes

    Nutrition information is an estimate for one portion of broccoli pasta out of four without cheese.
    STORAGE
    Make ahead: As with most pasta recipes, this broccoli pasta is at its best if you eat it right off the skillet soon after making it.
    Refrigerator: To store the leftovers, let the pasta cool down completely, then transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    Reheat: Heat it in the microwave, adding two tablespoons of water as the pasta dries in the fridge. You can also warm it in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil.
    ALSO ON THIS PAGE
    • Substitutions
    • Serving suggestions
    • More pasta recipes
    • More broccoli recipes

    Nutritional Values

    Nutrition Facts
    Broccoli Pasta
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    471
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    14
    g
    22
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    19
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    0
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    8
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    4
    mg
    1
    %
    Potassium
     
    566
    mg
    16
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    72
    g
    24
    %
    Dietary Fiber
     
    6
    g
    25
    %
    Sugar
     
    4
    g
    4
    %
    Protein
     
    16
    g
    32
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    787
    IU
    16
    %
    Vitamin B6
     
    0.3
    mg
    15
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    102
    mg
    124
    %
    Vitamin E
     
    3
    mg
    20
    %
    Vitamin K
     
    122
    µg
    116
    %
    Calcium
     
    119
    mg
    12
    %
    Folate
     
    87
    µg
    22
    %
    Iron
     
    2
    mg
    11
    %
    Manganese
     
    1
    mg
    50
    %
    Magnesium
     
    71
    mg
    18
    %
    Zinc
     
    2
    mg
    13
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you like this recipe?Leave us a comment below or find us on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook.

    If you liked this broccoli pasta, you might also enjoy:

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nic

      June 25, 2023 at 6:13 pm

      I feel like a step has been missed here because I made it and it wasn't saucey at all, it was just soggy broccoli sticking to pasta? It tastes really nice so I'm just a bit disappointed and can't work out what I'm missing to make it look like what's been made above?

      Reply
      • Louise

        June 26, 2023 at 11:11 am

        Hi Nic,
        Thank you for your message, I'm sorry to hear.
        I wonder if you did the following during cooking:
        - Added a ladleful of the reserved pasta cooking water to the broccoli
        - Letting the broccoli simmer on medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes or until soft
        - Mashed the broccoli with a fork to make a broccoli sauce

        Let me know - the key to this recipe is, as you say, the creamy sauce 🙂
        Kindest,
        Louise

        Reply
    2. Lorraine

      February 01, 2023 at 12:46 am

      5 stars
      My dear Mother made this on Friday nights during lent (we couldn’t eat meat then). She was from Sicily & a fantastic cook (mostly vegetarian). Her Papa was a vegetable farmer. This dish is hearty, warming, filling, & DELICIOUS. Now 4 out of 6 of us are vegetarian or vegan. Italian girls learn young how to make good & healthy food. It can also be served room temperature. I used bow ties. Enjoy

      Reply
      • Louise

        February 01, 2023 at 5:18 am

        Hi Lorraine,
        I'm so delighted you were able to enjoy this pasta as a family!
        Thank you so much for the serving tips and for taking the time to leave a comment.
        Kindest, Louise

        Reply
    3. Sam

      December 22, 2022 at 8:05 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing dish and so easy to make, I decided to lighten up the dish and not add the cheese, honestly I felt it was perfect without but I can imagine amazing with the cheese. I will be trying another recipe from this site soon!

      Reply
    4. Arthémisia

      November 21, 2022 at 8:21 pm

      5 stars
      Délicieux, facile à faire et économique !

      Reply
      • Nico

        November 22, 2022 at 6:11 am

        Salut Arthémisia, thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment, I'm delighted you found the pasta tasty and easy to make! Merci beaucoup, Nico

        Reply
        • Milizza

          December 16, 2022 at 10:23 pm

          5 stars
          OMG - this was absolutely delicious! I loved that it was minimum ingredients- I unfortunately didn’t have any cheese so I used nutritional yeast and it was still really good!! Thanks so much for this easy recipe- so happy to have found you on Pinterest!! Keep it up!

          Reply
          • Louise

            December 17, 2022 at 7:02 am

            Hi Milizza, thank you for your kind comment, I'm really happy you like the pasta, good idea to add nutritional yeast. You're very welcome, it's our pleasure - enjoy your weekend! Kindest, Louise

            Reply
    5. Louis

      October 01, 2022 at 3:49 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious. Loved this recipe. Will be making it often. Wonderful flavors that blend so well. Thank you. Also fun to make.

      Reply
      • Nico

        October 01, 2022 at 5:14 am

        I'm so happy you liked it, Louis!! Thanks for leaving a comment, and have a great day! Cheers, Nico

        Reply

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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

    Hi, we are Nico Pallotta and Louise Vestergaard, and we love cooking! Welcome to our blog.

    Here we share veggie-packed recipes for the whole family.

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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

    Hi, we are Nico Pallotta and Louise Vestergaard, and we love cooking! Welcome to our blog.

    Here we share veggie-packed recipes for the whole family.

    Omnivores, flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans, you are ALL WELCOME!

    More about us →

    Trending

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      Lentil Curry
    • Rice salad with olives and tomatoes
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    • Black bean salad with lime and avocado
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    Seasonal

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