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15-Minute Broccoli Garlic Pasta

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4.3 from 76 reviews

This 15-minute broccoli pasta is a quick, affordable, and vibrant green meal perfect for busy weekdays. Combining tender pasta with gently sautéed garlic, chili flakes, and smashed broccoli, finished with butter and parmesan for a comforting, flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 250 g penne pasta

Vegetables & Seasonings

  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, sliced
  • ¼ tsp chili flakes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Oils and Fats

  • Olive oil, for sautéing
  • Butter, for finishing

Dairy

  • Parmesan cheese, grated, for finishing

Other

  • Pasta cooking water, reserved splash

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
  2. Prepare the broccoli and garlic: While pasta cooks, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chili flakes, cooking gently until the garlic becomes fragrant and soft but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add and smash the broccoli: Add the small broccoli florets to the pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently smash some pieces to help them cook faster and release flavor, while stirring gently to coat with oil and garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still slightly crisp.
  4. Toss pasta with broccoli: Drain the pasta, reserving a splash of the cooking water. Add the pasta into the pan with the broccoli and garlic along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over medium heat until the pasta looks glossy and well coated, about 1 minute.
  5. Finish with butter and cheese: Remove from heat and add a knob of butter and a generous handful of grated parmesan cheese. Toss quickly to melt the butter and cheese, creating a creamy coating on the pasta. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Notes

  • The broccoli is cooked directly in the pan without pre-steaming to keep it slightly crunchy and fresh-tasting.
  • Use the reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and add moisture.
  • Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated parmesan.
  • This recipe works well as a quick weeknight dinner that uses minimal ingredients.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/15-minute-broccoli-garlic-pasta/