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2026 15-Minute Broccoli Garlic Pasta

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4.2 from 57 reviews

This 15-minute broccoli pasta is a quick, affordable, and flavorful dish perfect for busy weekdays. Combining al dente penne pasta with tender, sautéed broccoli and a simple garlic-chili olive oil sauce, finished with butter and Parmesan, it offers a vibrant, comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 250 g penne pasta

Vegetables

  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, sliced

Seasonings and Extras

  • ¼ tsp chili flakes
  • Olive oil, for cooking
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Butter, 1–2 tbsp
  • Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
  • Pasta water, reserved from boiling pasta

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until just al dente according to package instructions, usually about 10 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté garlic and chili flakes: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chili flakes, cooking gently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, about 1–2 minutes.
  3. Add and cook broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan. Gently smash some of the broccoli with the back of a spoon to release flavor. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is tender but still has a slight bite.
  4. Toss pasta with broccoli: Add the drained pasta to the pan along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is glossy and well coated with the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed.
  5. Finish with butter and cheese: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in butter until melted and well incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve topped generously with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For better texture, pre-steaming or blanching the broccoli can help if you prefer it less crunchy.
  • Adjust chili flakes to your heat preference.
  • Reserve pasta water carefully—it helps emulsify the sauce and bind ingredients together.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
  • Butter adds creaminess, but can be reduced or omitted to lower fat content.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/2026-15-minute-broccoli-garlic-pasta/