If you’re looking for a vibrant, speedy dinner that brings both comfort and a punch of flavor, this 15-Minute Broccoli Garlic Pasta is exactly what you need. Picture tender, garlicky broccoli mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a luscious, glossy sauce that’s enriched with butter and sprinkled with Parmesan. It’s a green, wholesome dish that’s surprisingly simple but so satisfying, perfect for those nights when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.

15-Minute Broccoli Garlic Pasta - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To nail this recipe, you don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients—just a handful of essentials that all play a key role in creating a harmonious dish. Each one contributes to the flavor, texture, or vibrant color, making this pasta both nutritious and delicious.

Penne pasta (250 g): Holds sauce beautifully and provides the perfect chewy bite for this quick meal.
Broccoli (1 large head): Cut small so it cooks quickly and adds fresh green crunch.
Garlic (3–4 cloves, sliced): Gives the dish that irresistible aromatic punch.
Chilli flakes (¼ tsp): Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the flavors without overpowering.
Olive oil: The base for sautéing and bringing everything together with a silky mouthfeel.
Salt + black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors perfectly.
Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty finish that elevates the dish to something special.
Butter: Gives richness and a touch of indulgence to the pasta sauce.
Pasta water: The secret ingredient that helps bind everything with just the right gloss.

How to Make 15-Minute Broccoli Garlic Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a boil, then add your penne. Cooking the pasta until al dente is key—it’ll finish cooking just slightly when tossed with the sauce, so you want to avoid overcooking here. Using plenty of salt in the water ensures your pasta has flavor from the inside out.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Chilli

While your pasta cooks, heat a good glug of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and chilli flakes gently, cooking just until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. This careful cooking keeps the garlic mellow and sweet rather than bitter, laying a fragrant foundation for the sauce.

Step 3: Add and Smash Broccoli

Next, toss in your chopped broccoli. Give it a gentle smash with your spatula to slightly crush the florets. This helps break them down just enough to cook quickly while releasing more flavor into the sauce. The broccoli will soften in the pan, absorbing those garlicky, spicy-infused olive oils.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain your pasta but save a cup of the pasta water first. Add the hot pasta directly to the pan with the broccoli mixture. Pour in a splash of that starchy pasta water and toss everything energetically. This step creates a glossy, clingy sauce that coats each piece of penne beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Parmesan

Remove the pan from heat, then stir in a generous knob of butter and sprinkle over freshly grated Parmesan. The butter enriches the sauce, giving it a silky texture, while the cheese melts into the noodles, adding a satisfying salty depth. Give it a final toss and season with salt and pepper to taste.

How to Serve 15-Minute Broccoli Garlic Pasta

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley or basil brings freshness and bright color, making your pasta even more inviting. A squeeze of lemon juice or a scattering of toasted pine nuts can add a lovely pop of brightness or crunch to contrast the soft pasta and broccoli.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of that savory sauce. A glass of chilled white wine pairs beautifully if you feel like celebrating the meal in style.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pasta in rustic bowls for a cozy, homey vibe or on sleek white plates to highlight its vibrant green hues for guests. For something fun, toss it with a handful of toasted breadcrumbs or sprinkle with chili oil for an extra kick. The 15-Minute Broccoli Garlic Pasta is forgiving and adaptable to your mood and occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The broccoli might soften further after chilling, but the flavors will deepen, making for a tasty next-day meal.

Freezing

Because of the fresh broccoli texture, freezing this pasta is not ideal—it can turn mushy and lose its bright color. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and bring back a bit of moisture. Microwaving works too, just stir halfway through to heat evenly and add a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for the 15-Minute Broccoli Garlic Pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is great for catching the sauce, feel free to swap in fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Do I need to blanch the broccoli before adding it to the pan?

In this recipe, smashing the raw broccoli florets in the pan is enough to soften them quickly while keeping a bit of crunch. Blanching is optional if you prefer softer broccoli.

What if I don’t have Parmesan?

Grated Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can make a great substitute depending on your dietary preferences and what you have on hand.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace butter with vegan margarine or extra olive oil, and swap Parmesan with a plant-based cheese alternative, or simply omit it for a lighter dish.

How spicy is the dish with just ¼ tsp of chilli flakes?

The chilli flakes add a gentle warmth that enhances the garlic and broccoli without overwhelming the palate. You can always adjust up or down depending on how much heat you enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This 15-Minute Broccoli Garlic Pasta is one of those go-to recipes I keep in my back pocket for busy nights, when comfort and ease are top priorities. The balance of garlicky goodness, fresh green broccoli, and cheesy richness makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Give it a try—it just might become your new favorite quick pasta that feels like a little celebration on your plate.

15-Minute Broccoli Garlic Pasta