Garlic Broccoli Pasta is the kind of dinner you fall in love with after a single, twirl-of-the-fork bite: hearty shell pasta tossed with vibrant green broccoli, plenty of golden garlic, a splash of good olive oil, and a rain of freshly grated parmesan. Each forkful is equal parts comforting and lively, with a whisper of heat from crushed red pepper and a savory, cheesy finish. Best of all, this dish comes together in just twenty minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a quick, healthy meal without skimping on flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Garlic Broccoli Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients can transform into something truly special. Each component of Garlic Broccoli Pasta shines: the broccoli brings freshness and a pop of color, the garlic adds irresistible aroma, and just the right pasta shape makes every bite satisfying.

Broccoli: Trimmed into bite-sized florets for quick cooking and bright color—the star vegetable of this dish.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Offers a rich, fruity flavor base, so use your favorite kind for the best taste.
Garlic: Three cloves, minced—enough to make the kitchen smell heavenly without overpowering the other ingredients.
Crushed Red Pepper: Adds just enough gentle heat to wake up your palate; adjust to taste.
Salt and Black Pepper: Brightens and balances everything—taste as you go!
Shell Pasta: Catches the bits of broccoli and cheese in every bite; other shapes like penne or fusilli work well, too.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts beautifully into the hot pasta and adds a salty, nutty note—it’s worth grating it yourself.

How to Make

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil—go ahead and use a generous pinch of salt for the best pasta flavor. Cook your shell pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, following your package instructions. In the last two or three minutes of cooking, drop in the broccoli florets. This quick, gentle blanch keeps them bright green and just tender. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; it will help the sauce come together later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta and broccoli are working their magic, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and give it a gentle stir, letting the aroma bloom for just a minute or two—don’t let it brown, or it’ll turn bitter. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper, stirring to wake up all those flavors.

Step 3: Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Garlic Oil

Add the freshly drained pasta and broccoli straight into the skillet (still steaming!), and toss them so they’re coated with the garlicky oil. If things seem dry, splash by splash, add some reserved pasta water until you reach a light, silky texture. You want everything glistening and just saucy enough to cling to each shell.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Finish

With the skillet still warm, shower the pasta and broccoli mixture with the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Toss until the cheese melts in, making the whole dish creamy and lush without any actual cream. Serve up immediately—this is best enjoyed hot!

How to Serve

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese is always a safe—and delicious—bet. For a touch of elegance, scatter over some fresh cracked black pepper or a few chili flakes for more heat. If you like a bit of color, a handful of chopped fresh parsley brightens up the bowl and adds a fresh note.

Side Dishes

Garlic Broccoli Pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed in a lemony vinaigrette. A slice or two of warm, crusty bread rounds out the meal, soaking up every last bit of sauce. If you want to go all-in, a quick caprese salad or roasted cherry tomatoes make lovely sides as well.

Creative Ways to Present

Try portioning Garlic Broccoli Pasta into individual bowls and topping each with a crispy, golden fried egg for a pop of texture and rich yolk goodness. Or, serve it family-style from a big serving platter, letting everyone help themselves. For a casual gathering, turn it into a baked gratin: pour the finished pasta into a casserole dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil until bubbly and golden.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Garlic Broccoli Pasta cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or busy weeknights.

Freezing

While pasta dishes like this are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container. The texture of the broccoli might soften a bit once thawed, but the flavors will still shine. Use within a month for the best quality.

Reheating

To bring Garlic Broccoli Pasta back to life, reheat it gently in a skillet with a splash of water, vegetable broth, or olive oil. This refreshes the sauce and keeps the pasta from drying out. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even heat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great shortcut for Garlic Broccoli Pasta—just thaw it completely before adding to the pasta water, and blanch for a little less time so it stays vibrant and tender.

What other pasta shapes work for this recipe?

Shells are fantastic because they cup the bits of broccoli and cheese, but penne, fusilli, or farfalle also work beautifully. Choose a shape that grips sauces and veggies well.

How can I add protein to make this a complete meal?

Toss in some white beans, sautéed mushrooms, or pan-seared tofu for vegetarian protein. Shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked shrimp work if you’re not vegetarian.

Is there a way to make it creamy without cream?

Yes! Try stirring in a dollop of ricotta or mascarpone at the end for instant creaminess, or add a splash of pasta water and extra parmesan for a silky, creamy effect with no actual cream required.

How spicy is the original recipe?

The quarter teaspoon of crushed red pepper gives a mild, pleasant heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less or leave it out altogether. If you love more heat, add more to taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give Garlic Broccoli Pasta a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable—just right for sharing with family or impressing guests. Once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll become your new go-to comfort meal!

Garlic Broccoli Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: Sara
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Garlic Broccoli Pasta is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish featuring tender broccoli, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese, combined with shell pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 minced garlic cloves
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 ounces shell pasta
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. In the last 2-3 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to blanch them. Drain both the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta and broccoli cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
Combine Pasta and Broccoli: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic oil mixture. Toss to combine, making sure the pasta and broccoli are well coated in the garlic oil. If needed, add a little of the reserved pasta water to help coat the pasta and create a slightly saucy texture.
Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese to the garlic oil mixture.
You can substitute frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available; just thaw it first.
Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper depending on your spice preference.
Try different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli for variety.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Pasta dish
Method: Saute, Boil
Cuisine: Italian