Easy & Creamy Broccoli Pasta (Ready in 20 Minutes)

When you need dinner fast but still want something comforting, creamy, and satisfying, this Easy & Creamy Broccoli Pasta delivers every single time. It’s the kind of 20 minute pasta dinner that feels cozy and indulgent—but is secretly packed with greens.

Tender broccoli florets, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce come together in one simple skillet. No complicated steps. No fancy ingredients. Just a reliable, flavor-packed vegetarian dinner that works on even your busiest nights.

And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli Pasta

This easy broccoli pasta recipe checks all the right boxes:

• Ready in just 20 minutes
• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• Vegetarian and customizable
• Uses simple pantry staples
• Creamy without being overly heavy

Broccoli adds both color and texture, while the Parmesan cream sauce creates a luscious coating that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s balanced comfort food—creamy but fresh, rich but not overwhelming.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta and broccoli together.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets directly to the pot. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the garlic.
   In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
3. Make the cream sauce.
   Reduce heat slightly and pour in heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add the cheese.
   Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. The sauce should become creamy and glossy.
5. Combine everything.
   Add drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
6. Adjust texture.
   Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
7. Season and serve.
   Stir in salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Easy & Creamy Broccoli Pasta (Ready in 20 Minutes)

A quick and comforting vegetarian pasta made with tender broccoli and a silky Parmesan cream sauce, ready in just 20 minutes.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Calories: 460

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Colander
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Cook pasta and broccoli together until tender.
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil.
3. Add cream and simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
5. Toss pasta with sauce and adjust with pasta water.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to create a glossy, silky sauce.

The Secret to Perfect Creamy Pasta

There are three small tricks that elevate this quick vegetarian pasta:

1. Cook Broccoli with the Pasta

This saves time and reduces dishes while keeping the broccoli tender-crisp.

2. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan creates a silky texture.

3. Reserve Pasta Water

The starch helps bind the sauce and gives it that glossy restaurant-quality finish.

How to Customize This Recipe

One of the best things about broccoli Parmesan pasta is how adaptable it is.

Add Protein

• Grilled chicken
• Shrimp
• Crispy bacon
• White beans for a vegetarian boost

Make It Lighter

• Swap half the cream for milk
• Use whole wheat pasta
• Increase the broccoli ratio

Make It Extra Cheesy

• Add mozzarella for stretch
• Stir in cream cheese for ultra richness

Add Freshness

• Lemon zest
• Chopped parsley
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Why Broccoli Works So Well Here

Broccoli is more than just a green addition—it’s the backbone of the dish.

When lightly boiled, broccoli becomes tender but still holds texture. It absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully and adds a subtle earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.

Plus, it adds fiber, vitamins, and color—making this comfort dish feel just a little more wholesome.

Serving Suggestions

This 20 minute pasta dinner pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread
• Simple green salad
• Roasted carrots
• Sparkling lemon water

It’s filling enough to stand alone but versatile enough to accompany other dishes.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat:
Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.

Meal Prep Tip:
If prepping ahead, slightly undercook the pasta to prevent softness when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw and drain it first to avoid excess water.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply use gluten-free pasta.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

This easy broccoli pasta recipe isn’t complicated—but that’s exactly why it works. It’s fast, comforting, and adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for family, roommates, or just yourself, it’s dependable.

And in just 20 minutes, you get a creamy, cozy bowl of pasta that feels like comfort food without requiring hours in the kitchen.

It’s simple. It’s satisfying. And once you try it, it’ll become one of those recipes you don’t even need to look up anymore.