Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan

This hearty broccoli pasta transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that tastes indulgent while staying on the lighter side. The broccoli creates a silky sauce that coats every bite of pasta with flavor, making this a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying yet wholesome.

I developed this recipe when trying to sneak more vegetables into my family's meals. What started as a compromise became a requested favorite that even the pickiest eaters at my table ask for by name.

Ingredients

• Fresh broccoli head the star ingredient that creates a creamy texture without heavy cream
• Extra virgin olive oil provides the perfect base flavor for this Mediterranean inspired dish
• Minced garlic cloves fresh garlic adds an aromatic depth that garlic powder cannot match
• Crushed red pepper just enough to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming heat
• Shell pasta the perfect shape for catching little bits of broccoli and sauce in every bite
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds savory umami flavor and helps create the silky sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Broccoli

Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like the sea to properly season the broccoli from within. Add your trimmed broccoli pieces and cook for approximately 5 minutes until they become fork tender but not mushy. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked broccoli to a bowl, being careful to reserve ½ cup of the valuable broccoli cooking water which contains nutrients and flavor that will enhance our sauce later.

Prepare the Broccoli Mash

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter, so keep a close eye on it. Add the cooked broccoli and the reserved broccoli water, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow this mixture to cook for approximately 10 minutes, occasionally pressing the broccoli with the back of a wooden spoon to help it break down into a rough mash. The consistency should be somewhat chunky but soft enough that it will coat pasta.

Cook the Pasta

Return to your large pot still containing the broccoli infused water. This water is now filled with flavor and nutrients from the broccoli. Bring it back to a boil and add your shell pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve another cup of the starchy pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it, as the starch on the surface will help the sauce adhere.

Combine Pasta with Broccoli Mash

Add the drained, hot pasta directly to the skillet with the broccoli mash. The heat from both elements will help them combine beautifully. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir everything together until the cheese melts and creates a cohesive sauce that coats each piece of pasta. If the mixture seems too dry or thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and stir until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water helps create a silky, restaurant quality finish.

Season and Serve

Take a moment to taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, so adjust carefully. Serve the pasta immediately in warmed bowls, topping each portion with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for both flavor and presentation. For an elegant touch, add a light drizzle of your best olive oil over each serving.

Bookmark

The broccoli stems are my favorite part of this dish despite many cooks discarding them. When chopped small and cooked properly, they become tender and sweet, adding a wonderful textural contrast to the florets. My grandmother taught me that using the entire vegetable not only reduces waste but often introduces the most flavorful parts to your cooking.

Make It Your Own

This versatile recipe welcomes customization based on what you have available in your kitchen. Try adding a handful of sun dried tomatoes for a tangy sweetness or toasted pine nuts for crunch and richness. For protein, consider stirring in some white beans or topped with grilled chicken. Even a simple squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the entire dish with minimal effort.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pasta will absorb more of the sauce as it sits, so when reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium low heat, stirring occasionally. Microwaving works too, but cover the dish to prevent splattering and stir halfway through heating. This pasta actually develops deeper flavors overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or next day lunches.

A Nutritional Powerhouse

This dish delivers exceptional nutritional value while satisfying comfort food cravings. Broccoli provides antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins, while the olive oil offers heart healthy fats. By creating a sauce from the vegetable itself rather than cream or butter, you dramatically reduce the saturated fat content without sacrificing richness or flavor. The Parmesan adds calcium and protein in modest amounts, making this a well balanced meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?

Absolutely! While shell pasta works well because it catches the broccoli sauce in its curves, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, farfalle, or orecchiette would all be excellent alternatives that hold the sauce nicely.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

To make this dish vegan, simply replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative. You'll still get a cheesy flavor while keeping it plant-based. You might want to add a touch more salt to compensate for the missing Parmesan saltiness.

→ Can I add protein to this pasta dish?

Yes, this dish works wonderfully with added protein. Consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans for a protein boost. Cook your protein separately with similar seasonings and add it when combining the pasta with the broccoli sauce.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce, as pasta tends to absorb moisture when stored. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?

This dish is very adaptable! Consider adding peas, spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes. For leafy greens like spinach, add them at the final toss to wilt. For firmer vegetables like asparagus, you can blanch them with the broccoli. Cherry tomatoes can be added fresh or lightly sautéed with the garlic.

→ Why is it important to reserve the broccoli cooking water?

The broccoli cooking water serves two purposes: it contains nutrients from the broccoli that would otherwise be discarded, and it helps create a smoother, more flavorful sauce. The starchy water also helps the sauce cling better to the pasta, creating a silkier texture without needing cream.