Name: Really Quick Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 350g / 12 oz dried short pasta (small shells recommended); 2 large broccoli heads, chopped into small florets; 1 cup shredded cheese (any melting cheese, feel free to add more); 2 tsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp lemon juice (adjust to taste); 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/3 cup parmesan, finely grated; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp mixed dried herbs (or fresh herbs); 1/2 tsp+ red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference); 1 tsp sugar; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Extra parmesan for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 2 reviews

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, flavorful dish that combines fresh greens and comforting carbs in record time, you’ve just found your new favorite: the Really Quick Broccoli Pasta Recipe. This dish brings together tender pasta and vibrant broccoli in a luscious, tangy sauce that feels homemade yet comes together in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re short on time, ingredients, or culinary energy, this recipe works magic with minimal fuss while packing in heaps of taste and satisfying textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a close-up of a creamy pasta dish with green broccoli mixed evenly throughout. The pasta pieces are small, round shell shapes, pale yellow in color with a smooth and shiny texture. The broccoli is bright green, with both small chopped florets and slightly larger stalk pieces visible, giving a fresh, crunchy look. The dish looks creamy and moist, with a soft sauce coating the pasta and broccoli, creating a rich texture. A wooden spoon is partially visible, lifting some of the pasta and broccoli, adding a natural touch. The bowl holding the dish is white, and the background surface has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s truly wonderful about this Really Quick Broccoli Pasta Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet how essential each one is for building layers of flavor, creaminess, and that perfect al dente bite. From the zesty lemon to the sharp parmesan, every item plays a starring role.

350g / 12 oz dried short pasta (small shells recommended): These little pasta shapes hold onto the sauce perfectly for every bite.
2 large broccoli heads: Make sure they are big and fresh, chopped into small florets for texture and color contrast.
1 cup shredded cheese: Use any melting cheese you love, or increase the quantity for extra richness.
2 tsp lemon zest: Adds a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
2 tbsp lemon juice: For a tangy punch that lifts the entire dish.
5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Creates a silky, smooth sauce without weighing it down.
1/3 cup finely grated parmesan: Deep umami notes that elevate the sauce.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds that classic savory base flavor we all crave.
1 tsp mixed dried herbs: Oregano, basil, thyme, or fresh if you prefer an herby freshness.
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more): For a gentle kick, customize to your spice preference.
1 tsp sugar: Balances the acidity of lemon and sharpness of cheese.
3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper: Essential seasonings for depth and balance.
Extra parmesan for serving: Because you can never go wrong with more cheese on top!

How to Make Really Quick Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of water, adding about 2 teaspoons of salt to season it just right. Once boiling, toss in your pasta and cook according to the package’s al dente instructions. This forms the base of your dish and ensures that each bite has the perfect tenderness.

Step 2: Chop and Cook Broccoli

While your pasta is doing its thing, chop the broccoli into small florets—don’t be shy to get them bite-sized so they blend beautifully with the pasta. Add the broccoli to the boiling pasta water about 1 to 2 minutes before the pasta finishes cooking. This quick blanching keeps the broccoli vibrant, tender but with a delightful crunch.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a jar with a secure lid, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, parmesan, minced garlic, mixed herbs, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper. This no-cook sauce is a flavor powerhouse that’ll marry perfectly with your pasta and broccoli. Once combined, you’re almost ready to bring everything together!

Step 4: Reserve Pasta Water and Drain

Before draining, scoop out about a cup of the starchy pasta cooking water and set it aside. This magical liquid will help you loosen the sauce to just the right consistency. Then, drain the pasta and broccoli and return them to the still-warm pot with the stove turned off.

Step 5: Combine Sauce, Cheese, and Pasta

Add half a cup of the reserved pasta water to the jar with your sauce ingredients, securely close the lid, and shake well to emulsify. Pour this vibrant sauce over the pasta and broccoli, add the shredded cheese, and stir vigorously. The sauce will come together to coat each piece perfectly. If needed, add a touch more pasta water to loosen it. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if you want a little extra punch.

How to Serve Really Quick Broccoli Pasta Recipe

A large white bowl filled with a creamy pasta dish showing two main layers: the first layer is small, light yellow pasta shells mixed with bright green broccoli pieces scattered evenly throughout; the second layer on top is a light sprinkling of grated pale yellow cheese covering the pasta and broccoli slightly. The bowl has a silver spoon inside it resting on the side. In the background, there is a white marbled surface with a chunk of yellow cheese next to a silver grater and a white cloth with two silver forks placed on it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple finishing touches make a big difference here. Freshly grated parmesan sprinkled generously over the top adds a salty, nutty layer. You can also toss in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley if you have them on hand—they add a refreshing herbal note and lighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This pasta works wonderfully as a main or a side. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, or roasted cherry tomatoes to bring in more natural sweetness and variety. A slice of garlic bread or a light soup can round out your meal for cozy evenings or easy weeknight dinners alike.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Really Quick Broccoli Pasta Recipe in rustic pasta bowls to catch all those silky sauce drips. For more formal occasions, drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle peyote chili flakes on top for a pop of color and flavor. Leftovers can be plated with an added fried egg on top for breakfast or lunch with a touch of indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The broccoli retains good texture if reheated gently, and the sauce stays creamy without drying out when you add a little splash of water or olive oil on reheating.

Freezing

Because this pasta contains fresh broccoli and delicate cheese, freezing is not the best option as the texture might suffer. If you must freeze, store only the pasta separately from the sauce to minimize deterioration, but fresh is definitely best here.

Reheating

Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving directly without stirring as that can dry the dish out or create uneven heat spots. Stir often for the best result.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the pasta. Fresh broccoli delivers the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch and keeps the recipe really quick.

What are good cheese substitutes?

Mozzarella, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar can work well if parmesan is not available. Choose cheeses that melt nicely for a gooey, luscious sauce.

Is this recipe vegan or suitable for dairy-free diets?

You can make it vegan by swapping out the cheese for vegan parmesan and using olive oil in place of any dairy-based fats. The lemon and herbs make it flavorful enough to shine without cheese, though the texture will be slightly different.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can easily dial it down or up depending on your taste. For no heat, skip the flakes; to spice it up, add extra or serve with crushed chili on the side.

What pasta shapes work best?

Small shapes such as shells, penne, or fusilli are ideal because they trap the sauce and broccoli pieces. That said, you can use whatever you have on hand—this recipe is wonderfully flexible!

Final Thoughts

There is something so comforting about a dish that manages to be speedy, simple, and sensational all at once, and this Really Quick Broccoli Pasta Recipe truly delivers on all counts. Whether it’s a busy weeknight rescue or a healthy side to your main course, this pasta invites you to dive into fresh flavors and endless homemade charm. I promise, once you try it you’ll want to keep it in your quick-meal rotation forever!