Broccoli Pasta: The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta You’ll Make on Repeat
When it comes to quick and comforting weeknight dinners, nothing beats a bowl of Broccoli Pasta. It’s creamy, flavorful, loaded with tender broccoli florets, and ready in just 25 minutes. What makes this dish truly shine is the way the pasta cooks directly in the broth and half-and-half mixture—which means fewer dishes, richer flavor, and a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce that clings to every single shell.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something that tastes indulgent but requires minimal effort, this Broccoli Pasta has you covered. The combination of buttery sautéed garlic, sharp Parmesan, fragrant herbs, and fresh broccoli creates a balanced one-pot pasta that feels cozy, satisfying, and restaurant worthy.
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This is the perfect recipe for busy home cooks, pasta lovers, and anyone needing a reliable go-to comfort dish. In this long-form guide, you’ll learn everything from how to make the creamiest version, how to avoid curdling, how to create the perfect texture, and how to customize the dish with proteins, spices, or gluten-free pasta.
Let’s dive into your new favorite quick dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Pasta
Broccoli Pasta has been trending for years—thanks to social media, cozy food blogs, and its incredible versatility. Here’s why it remains one of the most popular pasta recipes:
✔ One Pot Means Less Mess
You’re cooking everything—pasta, broccoli, and sauce—in the same skillet. This allows starch from the pasta to naturally thicken the sauce.
✔ Creamy, Garlicky, But Not Heavy
Using half-and-half instead of full cream keeps the dish rich and velvety without feeling overly heavy.
✔ Loaded With Veggies
Each bite contains tender broccoli coated in garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s a family-friendly way to get in vegetables effortlessly.
✔ Ready in 25 Minutes
Perfect for lunch, weeknight dinners, or last-minute meals.
✔ Customizable
Add chicken, shrimp, bacon, mushrooms, spinach, or red pepper flakes—Broccoli Pasta adapts to anything.
Ingredients Needed for the Best Broccoli Pasta
Using the right ingredients is essential to creating the perfect Broccoli Pasta with a creamy, flavorful sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
Butter (4 tablespoons)
The base of your sauce. Butter adds richness and depth that olive oil can’t always achieve.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
Fresh garlic is key—it perfumes the entire dish with its warm aroma and savory punch.
Chicken Broth (2 cups)
Provides flavor and acts as the cooking liquid for the pasta. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Half and Half (1¼ cups)
Creates a silky, creamy sauce without becoming overly heavy.
Medium Pasta Shells (½ lb.)
Shells scoop up mini pockets of sauce, but you can also use penne, farfalle, or rotini.
Seasonings
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried parsley
These herbs complement the Parmesan and garlic beautifully.
Fresh Broccoli Florets (3½ cups)
Cut into small pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
Lemon Juice (2 tsp)
The acidity balances the richness and brightens the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese (¾ cup, finely grated)
Create a snow-like powder for the smoothest sauce—pre-shredded cheese does not melt as well.
How to Make Broccoli Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients—Mise en Place
Before you start cooking, measure out everything. This helps you avoid overcooking anything and keeps the process smooth. Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets so they cook faster.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Flavor
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Do not brown the garlic—it turns bitter quickly.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half. Add your thyme, oregano, parsley, onion powder, and salt. Bring to a boil.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Once boiling, add the pasta shells and submerge them into the liquid. Partially cover the skillet and allow the pasta to cook according to package directions.
Step 5: Add the Broccoli
During the last 6 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli. This ensures it becomes tender without turning mushy.
Run a silicone spatula along the bottom occasionally—this prevents pasta from sticking as it releases starch.
Step 6: Test and Adjust
Check the pasta for doneness. If needed, cook a minute longer.
Step 7: Add Lemon and Parmesan
Turn off the heat. Add lemon juice. Stir in the Parmesan gently until melted into a creamy sauce.
Step 8: Serve
The sauce thickens as it sits. Garnish with extra parsley and serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp salad.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Pasta
1. Use Finely Grated Parmesan
Freshly grated, powder-fine Parmesan incorporates into the sauce smoothly. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting.
2. Don’t Add Parmesan While Boiling
Always fold in cheese after removing the pot from the heat. High heat causes cheese to clump or turn gritty.
3. Cut Broccoli Small
Smaller florets = more even cooking and better sauce distribution.
4. Stir the Pasta Occasionally
Since the pasta cooks in broth and dairy, it can settle at the bottom. Running your spatula along the skillet prevents sticking and scorching.
5. Adjust Consistency
If your sauce looks too thick → add a splash of broth or milk.
If it’s too thin → let it simmer uncovered for 1–2 minutes.
6. Add Lemon Last
Lemon juice can curdle dairy if added too early. Adding it off heat brightens the sauce without risk.
What Makes This Broccoli Pasta so Creamy?
The creaminess comes from three combined factors:
1. The starch from pasta
When pasta cooks directly in the sauce, it releases natural starch that thickens the mixture.
2. Half and half
It strikes the perfect balance between richness and lightness, providing a velvety texture.
3. Parmesan cheese
As it melts into the sauce, it adds body, flavor, and a luxurious mouthfeel.
Altogether, these create a thick, silky sauce that coats every shell.
Broccoli Pasta Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can easily customize your Broccoli Pasta to match your preferences or what you have available.
Protein Add-Ins
Chicken
Sauté seasoned chicken pieces before starting the recipe. Add back at the end.
Shrimp
Cook shrimp in butter, remove, and fold in after adding cheese.
Bacon
Crispy bacon adds smoky depth and crunch.
Italian Sausage
Adds richness and spice—especially delicious with Parmesan.
Vegetable Add-Ins
Spinach
Stir in during the last minute of cooking.
Mushrooms
Sauté with butter before adding garlic.
Peas
Add frozen peas in the last 3 minutes of cooking.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Their tangy-sweet flavor pairs beautifully with broccoli.
Flavor Boosters
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil or thyme
• Extra lemon zest
• Toasted pine nuts
• Garlic powder or smoked paprika
Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Pasta
Side Dishes
• Garlic bread or cheesy garlic toast
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Caprese salad
Toppings
• Extra Parmesan
• Crushed red pepper
• Fresh herbs
• Toasted breadcrumbs for crunch
How to Store and Reheat Broccoli Pasta
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Freezing?
Not recommended—the dairy sauce may separate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Pasta
Can I make Broccoli Pasta vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Add it during the last 4 minutes of cooking instead of 6.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Short shapes work best: shells, farfalle, elbow, cavatappi, or orecchiette.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes: use plant milk + vegan butter + vegan Parmesan. Sauce will be thinner.
Why did my sauce get grainy?
Likely added cheese while boiling or used pre-shredded Parmesan.
Is Broccoli Pasta Healthy?
Broccoli Pasta offers a balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vegetables. Broccoli provides:
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Fiber
• Antioxidants
You can also lighten the dish by using:
• low-fat milk instead of half-and-half
• whole-grain pasta
• reduced-sodium broth
Troubleshooting Your Broccoli Pasta
Sauce too thick?
Add broth or warm milk.
Sauce too thin?
Simmer uncovered for a few minutes, or add a bit more Parmesan.
Pasta undercooked?
Add a splash of water or broth and continue cooking.
Broccoli too firm?
Cut florets smaller next time or steam separately.
PrintBroccoli Pasta: The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Pasta You’ll Make on Repeat
This Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a quick and cozy 25-minute meal featuring tender pasta shells coated in a buttery Garlic Parmesan sauce. With herbs, a hint of lemon, and plenty of fresh broccoli, it’s the perfect weeknight comfort dish. Simple, flavorful, and made in one skillet — this pasta is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
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4 tablespoons butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 ¼ cups half and half
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½ lb medium pasta shells
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¼ tsp each: onion powder, dried thyme, salt
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½ tsp each: dried oregano, dried parsley
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3 ½ cups broccoli florets, uncooked
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2 teaspoons lemon juice
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¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated into a powder
Instructions
Measure out all ingredients before beginning (mise en place).
Tip: Cut broccoli into smaller florets so they cook faster and blend better into the sauce.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth, half and half, and all seasonings.
Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the pasta shells, ensuring they are submerged.
Return to a gentle boil, then cook partially covered according to pasta package instructions.
Add the broccoli during the last 6 minutes of cooking.
Stir occasionally, running a silicone spatula along the bottom to prevent sticking.
Remove the cover and taste a pasta shell.
If needed, cover again and continue simmering until perfectly tender.
Remove pan from heat.
Stir in lemon juice.
Gently fold in Parmesan with a silicone spatula until melted into a creamy sauce.
Let the pasta rest for a minute — the sauce will thicken as it stands.
Garnish with parsley and serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
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Cut broccoli small: It cooks quicker and blends beautifully into the creamy sauce.
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Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts smoother and prevents graininess.
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Half and half substitution: Mix whole milk + a splash of heavy cream if needed.
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Don’t overcook the pasta: It continues to soften as it sits in the sauce.
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Make it extra creamy: Add 2 tablespoons cream cheese at the end.
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Add protein: Great with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta.
Final Thoughts
Broccoli Pasta is the kind of recipe every home cook should have in their weekly rotation—simple, nourishing, delicious, and endlessly customizable. With its creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, bright pops of broccoli, and comforting pasta shells, it offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures without requiring hours in the kitchen.
This dish embodies what comfort cooking is all about: using everyday ingredients to create something warm, satisfying, and sharable. Whether you serve it as a main dish, pair it with protein, or enjoy leftovers the next day, this Broccoli Pasta delivers every time.
