Description
A quick and easy 15-minute broccoli pasta recipe perfect for busy weekdays. This simple dish combines tender pasta with sautéed garlic, chili flakes, and broccoli, finished with butter and Parmesan for a flavorful, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 250 g penne pasta
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 3–4 cloves garlic, sliced
- ¼ tsp chili flakes
Other Ingredients
- Olive oil (about 2 tablespoons)
- Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Butter (about 1 tablespoon)
- Parmesan cheese (for finishing, grated)
- Pasta cooking water (reserved, about 1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic and Chilli Flakes: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chili flakes. Cook gently, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
- Add and Smash Broccoli: Add the small broccoli florets to the pan. Use a spatula or spoon to gently smash the broccoli slightly, helping it cook faster and releasing more flavors. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli softens but still retains some crunch.
- Toss Pasta with Broccoli Mixture: Add the drained pasta to the pan with broccoli. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to help create a glossy sauce. Toss everything together over medium heat until the pasta is well coated and the sauce clings to the noodles, about 1-2 minutes.
- Finish with Butter and Parmesan: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in butter until melted and combined. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, tossing again to incorporate. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use well-salted water to cook pasta for better flavor.
- Gently smashing the broccoli helps it cook evenly and releases more flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help ingredients bind.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should be tender but still slightly crisp.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- This dish can be customized with additional ingredients like lemon zest or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture.