Broccoli pasta is a quick and delicious recipe perfect for those busy weeknights. In just under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a bowl of this cheesy goodness that combines fresh broccoli with flavorful pasta, making it a family favorite. This dish not only tastes amazing but is also colorful and appealing. The combination of cheese, lemon zest, and garlic creates a delightful flavor profile that will impress everyone at your table.

Time: 15 min
👥 Servings: 4-6
📊 Level: Easy
🥗 10 ingredients
Quick & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta - Broccoli pasta: whip up this cheesy delight in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights, everyone will love this vibrant dish!

Quick & Cheesy Broccoli Pasta

Broccoli pasta is a quick and delicious recipe perfect for those busy weeknights. In just under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a bowl of this cheesy goodness that combines fresh broccoli with flavorful pasta, making it a family favorite. This dish not only tastes amazing but is also colorful and appealing. The combination of cheese, lemon zest, and garlic creates a delightful flavor profile that will impress everyone at your table.
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 350 g dried short pasta (small shells)
  • 2 broccoli heads
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp mixed dried herbs
  • 1/2 tsp+ red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta: Boil a large pot of water with 2 tsp salt, add pasta.
  2. While pasta is cooking, chop broccoli into small florets.
  3. Add broccoli into the water 1-2 minutes before the pasta is fully cooked.
  4. Place sauce ingredients in a jar with a lid.
  5. Reserve pasta water: Scoop out 1 cup of the pasta cooking water just before draining. Drain and return the pasta to the same pot on the turned-off stove.
  6. Add 1/2 cup of pasta water to the sauce jar, shake well.
  7. Pour sauce and add cheese into the pot with pasta.

Notes

– For a richer flavor, try adding parmesan cheese to the pasta while mixing.
– You can substitute the pasta with whole grain or gluten-free options if desired.
– Save some extra pasta water for more sauce if needed.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

  • For a richer flavor, try adding parmesan cheese to the pasta while mixing.
  • You can substitute the pasta with whole grain or gluten-free options if desired.
  • Save some extra pasta water for more sauce if needed.

Try this broccoli pasta recipe and customize it with your favorite veggies or protein. It’s a wonderful dish that can easily become a staple in your meal rotation.

Try this next: Garlic Butter Pasta with Roasted Broccoli & Mushrooms