Recipes
Pasta with Broccoli
Serves: 3-4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Pasta with Broccoli is a simple yet deeply satisfying Italian classic that transforms humble ingredients into a flavorful, comforting dish. Tender fettuccine is tossed with vibrant broccoli—both the florets and the stems—for a full, earthy flavor and satisfying texture. A generous amount of chopped garlic is gently sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, infusing the dish with rich aroma and depth. Finished with freshly grated parmesan cheese and seasoned to taste with salt and pepper, this pasta is hearty, wholesome, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an easy crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
1 box fettuccine (16 oz)
1½ lbs fresh whole broccoli, peeled, stems trimmed and chopped, florets separated
10 garlic cloves, chopped
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli (stems and florets) and cook for about 5–6 minutes, until very tender. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli to a bowl. Reserve the boiling water for the pasta. - Cook the Pasta:
In the same pot of broccoli water, add the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain. - Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned. - Combine Broccoli & Garlic:
Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to mash the broccoli slightly, creating a chunky sauce. Add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture if needed. - Toss with Pasta:
Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss well to coat. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and mix until creamy and well combined. Add more pasta water if desired for a silkier texture. - Serve:
Divide into bowls and finish with extra parmesan, olive oil, or cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips:
- For extra richness, add a pat of butter at the end.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Notes
Here are some excellent pairing options for Pasta with Broccoli:
Side Dish
-
- Lemon-Dressed Arugula Salad
- Peppery greens, shaved parmesan, and a light lemon vinaigrette cut through the richness of the pasta and echo the parmesan flavors.
- Garlicky White Beans with Herbs
- Creamy cannellini beans sautéed with rosemary, thyme, and garlic — hearty yet gentle enough
- to pair with the broccoli and pasta.
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
- Their sweetness contrasts beautifully with the earthiness of broccoli and gives a pop of color and acidity.
- Crusty Italian Bread or Garlic Bread
- Perfect for scooping up any leftover garlicky oil and parmesan.
- Grilled Zucchini or Eggplant
- Adds smoky depth and keeps the meal veggie-forward and balanced.
Wine
Because the dish is savory, garlicky, and vegetal, go for wines that are dry, high in acidity, and not overly oaked.
White Wines
- Verdicchio – Citrusy and herbal, it’s a natural partner to olive oil and garlic.
- Fiano – A southern Italian white with good body and subtle nutty, floral notes.
- Gavi (Cortese) – Crisp, clean, and mineral — great against parmesan and broccoli.
- Sauvignon Blanc – Especially from northern Italy or Loire Valley; bright and grassy.
Red Wines (light and low-tannin)
- Dolcetto d’Alba – Soft, fruity, and earthy — a great red for garlic-heavy dishes.
- Barbera – Zippy acidity, cherry fruit, and pairs well with vegetal flavors.
- Chianti (young) – A classic pairing with many Italian pasta dishes, especially with parmesan.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
- Sparkling Water with Lemon or Cucumber
- Light, crisp, and palate-cleansing.
- Herbal Iced Tea (like mint or basil-lavender)
- Refreshing with light herbal notes to echo the dish’s aromatic depth.
- Citrus Spritzer (orange or lemon)
- Still or sparkling water with a splash of fresh juice for brightness.
- Apple Cider (chilled and unsweetened)
- Earthy and slightly tart — complements the broccoli without overpowering.
Write A Review
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Fast, easy, and kid approved! I usually struggle to get my kids to eat broccoli, but with these buttery noodles, they happily joined the clean plate club. The flavor was spot on, and it’s such a fun, simple dish. I’m already planning to make it again for our Grinch watching party this Christmas the green touch is perfect!
Such a great review, Stephanie. Apologies for taking so long to reply. We'd love to hear how that Grinch watching party went!
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