Cream of Broccoli Pasta Recipe

This veggie-packed cream of broccoli pasta is a simple yet satisfying weeknight dinner! A creamy broccoli Parmesan sauce is tossed with al dente pasta and ready in less than 30 minutes.

More Italian pasta recipes I love to make with broccoli include pasta with broccoli rabe, spaghetti broccoli arugula and pecorino and stuffed baked paccheri!

This cream of broccoli pasta may look simple but the combination of a creamy broccoli Parmesan sauce with tender pasta is a one of a kind deliciousness that the whole family will agree tastes amazing!

While I love this creamy pancetta broccoli pasta and cheese broccoli pasta bake, this creamy pasta with broccoli is a bit lighter and perfect to serve either as a side dish or main meal! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and quick: This easy broccoli pasta recipe is the best type of making it Italian: fast, easy and tasty yet incredibly delicious made with wholesome ingredients. 
• Family friendly: Picky eaters, whether adults or kids, both love this pasta with broccoli recipe! 
• Veggie loaded: Creamy pasta dishes are the best way to eat your veggies and this one with minimal ingredients and only a few minutes of cooking time is an easy recipe any night of the week.

Creamy Broccoli Pasta Ingredients

• Broccoli florets: Cut your broccoli into small bite-sized florets. 
• Olive and garlic: Freshly minced garlic and extra virgin olive oil add the best rich taste.
• Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste.
• Pasta: Any short pasta works such as penne or rigatoni.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will taste best in this creamy broccoli pasta recipe. 

Variations To Try

• Add some spice: If you like a little heat try some red pepper flakes or try additional seasonings like cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning or onion powder. 
• Pasta type: Any short pasta works like penne, rigatoni or even something fun like orecchiette pasta.
• Protein options: Try adding some shredded chicken, crispy tofu or even pair with my favorite Italian chickpea salad recipe.
• Lemon: Brighten the flavors of the broccoli pasta dish before serving by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some lemon zest.

How to Make Cream of Broccoli Pasta

In a large pot of salted water, cook the broccoli florets until fork tender. Remove with a slotted spoon to a clean bowl and to the same pot add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve pasta water.

Next, in a large skillet on medium heat add the olive oil and cloves garlic, then add the broccoli. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and saute.

Transfer broccoli mixture to a blender or food processor with some parmigiano and blend until creamy. Add a little pasta water.

In the same skillet add the blended creamy sauce, drained cooked pasta and another 2-3 tablespoons of pasta water, cook on high for a short time tossing continuously.

Pasta with Broccoli Tips

• Salt the pasta water: Just as I advise in all my best Italian pasta recipes, you will need about 7g of salt for every liter of water. This will be flavoring both the pasta and broccoli while they cook, so don’t skip it! 
• Al dente pasta: Mind the cooking time of the pasta you choose. Al dente pasta is tender but still firm to the bite and will be best when tossed with the broccoli sauce. 
• Up the veggies: If you love extra veggies, experiment with adding peas or cauliflower to it too!
• Serving suggestions: I love to serve this simple broccoli pasta with some Italian bread and my arugula salad recipe.

Storage

While this broccoli pasta tastes best fresh, you can store the leftovers but I don’t recommend freezing it as the texture will change.

• Storage: Cool then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To reheat add a splash of chicken broth or water and reheat in the microwave until warmed through. 

recipe FAQs

Can I make broccoli pasta ahead of time?

Yes, but to reheat it I advise adding a splash of broth to rehydrate to pasta. 

Can I use frozen broccoli?

While fresh broccoli will taste best, you could use frozen broccoli florets in a pinch. It will cook in less time than the recipe indicates as frozen broccoli is already cooked. 

Can I make this gluten-free?

Sure! To make this broccoli pasta recipe gluten-free just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and cook it al dente. 

Can I make this cream of pasta recipe dairy free?

To make this recipe a vegetarian or vegan recipe just omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy free Parmesan cheese.

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