Garlicky Broccoli Pasta

A glossy, garlicky broccoli pasta with tender florets, a little heat, and a silky sauce that clings to every bite.

A bowl of penne pasta tossed with bright green broccoli florets in a creamy garlic butter sauce, topped with grated parmesan and red chili flakes on a stainless steel kitchen counter.

Recipe

Cook’s note: Cut the broccoli into small florets so it cooks quickly and catches the sauce instead of sitting in large pieces. Save more pasta water than you think you need, since that starch is what turns the oil, cheese, and garlic into a glossy coating.

Prep: 5 Minutes

Cook: 10 Minutes

Serves: 2

Best served with: lemony greens or roasted chicken.

Ingredients

  • 250 g short pasta
  • 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 30 ml olive oil
  • 15 g butter
  • 25 g grated Parmesan, plus more to finish
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes
  • salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
  • reserved pasta water

Steps

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta until 3 minutes shy of al dente.
  3. Add the broccoli and cook until bright green and just tender.
  4. Reserve 240 ml pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.
  5. Return the pot to medium-low heat and warm the olive oil.
  6. Cook the garlic and chili flakes for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  7. Add the pasta and broccoli back to the pot with about 120 ml pasta water.
  8. Stir briskly until the liquid turns glossy and coats the pasta.
  9. Remove from the heat, then stir in the butter and Parmesan.
  10. Season with salt and pepper, adding more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

Boiling the broccoli with the pasta saves a pan and keeps the process fast. Pasta water binds the oil, cheese, and garlic into a silky sauce, while the broccoli softens just enough to coat the noodles without disappearing.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with sparkling water and lemon, or finish with a few spoonfuls of quick chili crisp for extra contrast.

Leftover Strategy

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or serve the pasta with Miso-Lime Glazed Salmon.

Make It Yours

  • Add toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.
  • Swap Parmesan for pecorino for a sharper finish.
  • Add white beans for more substance.
  • Finish with lemon zest for a brighter edge.
  • Skip the chili flakes for a softer version, or add more for extra heat.

Kitchen Connections

Foundation: No direct foundation needed here.
Next Dish: Try Pan Roasted Eggplant and Mushrooms with Miso Butter next for another fast, savory dinner.

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