Really Quick Broccoli Pasta (Print-Friendly Version)
Saucy broccoli pasta with cheese, ready in 15 minutes. Fresh, simple ingredients and quick to prepare.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Pasta & Vegetables
01 -
12 oz dried short pasta (small shells preferred)
02 -
2 large broccoli heads, chopped into small florets
→ Cheese
03 -
1 cup shredded melting cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, gruyere, Swiss, or similar)
04 -
⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
→ Sauce
05 -
2 tsp lemon zest
06 -
2 tbsp lemon juice
07 -
5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
08 -
2 garlic cloves, minced
09 -
1 tsp mixed dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley, oregano, basil)
10 -
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
11 -
1 tsp sugar
12 -
¾ tsp salt
13 -
½ tsp black pepper
→ Optional Garnish
14 -
Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
# How to Make It:
01 -
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
02 -
While the pasta cooks, chop broccoli into small florets.
03 -
Add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water 1–2 minutes before the pasta is ready.
04 -
Combine lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, parmesan, minced garlic, dried herbs, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper in a jar with a lid.
05 -
Before draining, remove 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain pasta and broccoli, then return pasta to the pot off the heat.
06 -
Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the sauce jar and shake vigorously to emulsify.
07 -
Pour the sauce mixture over the pasta, add shredded cheese, stir vigorously, adding more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
08 -
Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
This dish works as a quick main serving four or as a side serving six to eight. It accommodates many pasta and cheese substitutions.