In less than 20 minutes, you can make this creamy broccoli pasta. This one pan pasta dish makes a quick vegetarian dinner or easy side dish.
This creamy broccoli pasta is ideal for busy nights when you want something fast and comforting. You only need one pan, a handful of ingredients, and about 20 minutes from start to finish! The broccoli and sauce cooks right along with the pasta making prep and clean up minimal. Serve this cheesy pasta dish for a meatless dinner, or pair with your favorite protein for a simple side.
reasons you'll love this broccoli pasta
- Quick + Easy - This simple recipe comes together in 20 minutes and can be made by beginners.
- Simple Ingredients - No hard to find ingredients here! Just basics you probably already have on hand.
- Versatile - A great base recipe that can be adjusted to fit your family. Add a protein of choice, your favorite seasoning, different veggies, etc.
Ingredients
- Ditalini Pasta: the cooking times are specifically for this pasta shape.
- White onion and Broccoli: we will be sautéing the onion and lightly steaming the broccoli before adding it to the pasta. Never fear, if you want to make this dish sans veggies that will also work.
- Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper
- Chicken stock: vegetable stock is also a great option.
- Parmesan: Use a good quality cheese that has been finely grated so it melts nicely.
- Butter: yes honey.
- Heavy Cream: the little magic trick that turns this pasta from plain Jane to creamy comfort food.
How to make Creamy Broccoli Pasta
- In a large, deep skillet, add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté, stirring occasionally until the onion has softened. This will only take a few minutes.
- Add the uncooked pasta, broth, and seasonings to the skillet. Let it cook, stirring now and then, for about 8 minutes. Once most of the liquid is gone and the pasta is just shy of al dente, stir in the lightly steamed broccoli, parmesan, butter and heavy cream.
- Turn the heat all the way down to low, cover the skillet and allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes, giving it a nice stir occasionally.
- The dish is ready when the pasta and broccoli and tender. Top with the cooked bacon and additional parmesan before serving.
Variations
- Veggies: the easiest variation is to swap the broccoli for another vegetable. Adding in 2-3 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach or kale works really well. Tip: if you plan to do this switch the deep pan to a pot so you have more room to stir the dish. Some other options are green peas, or sun dried tomatoes.
- Spices: You can use your favorite all purpose blend if you wish. You can also add more flavor by adding fresh lemon juice or give it a spicy kick with a drizzle of buffalo sauce.
- Cheese: shredded cheddar provides a sharper flavor that will get you closer to a "mac and cheese" vibe. Asiago or pecorino romano or a combination is also a good option.
- Pasta: the cooking times provided are for ditalini pasta, however you can switch the pasta and use something like penne, rotini or bowtie, just keep an eye on the pasta and remove from heat when it is al dente.
Storage
- Allow the pasta to cool completely, transfer to an airtight container.
- This pasta keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- You can reheat in the microwave in 30 second increments until warm. Or on the stovetop over low, gently stir occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk, cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- I find this does not reheat well after freezing.
Other Broccoli Dishes
- Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
- Instant Pot Beef Broccoli
- Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli
- Crockpot Broccoli Turmeric Soup
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- ½ cup white onion finely chopped
- 2 cups uncooked Ditalini pasta
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan
- 2 cups broccoli , steamed lightly
- 2 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large, deep skillet, add the onion and sauté for a few minutes until softened.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta, broth and seasonings.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is just shy of al dente.
- Add the lightly steamed broccoli, parmesan, butter, and heavy cream.
- Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 3-4 minutes. Stirring occasionally, until the pasta and broccoli are tender.
- Top with the cooked bacon and extra parmesan before serving.
Tips:
- I did not add salt with the spices because parmesan and chicken broth have varying degrees of salt. Just give it a quick taste test and adjust accordingly.
- I recommend lightly steaming the broccoli around 3-5 minutes before hand. You CAN add raw broccoli along with the pasta in step 2. I find that that made the broccoli too soft for my personal preference.
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Hi, I'm Annie. With a Bachelor of Science degree, a minor in nutrition and nearly 20 year of both classical training, and self-taught experience, I've spent my career proving that home cooking can be practical, delicious and inspiring. What started in 2013 as one food blog has grown into a full-time business. Today, my husband Clayton and I run five food websites that connect with millions of home cooks every month.
When I'm not in the kitchen or behind the camera, I'm using fueling my love of travel, or chasing down new ideas that keep food fun and fresh.
