Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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This wonderful broccoli pasta recipe is made with parmesan, fusilli, and a bunch of broccoli.

The surprisingly delicious broccoli sauce pairs wonderfully with a chunky pasta for a flavor bomb of a meal.

This recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes, making it a fabulous weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love this Broccoli Pasta

This vegetarian pasta recipe is the best - it's got an unbelievably good broccoli sauce that's substantial and flavorful!

Honestly, you will be pleasantly surprised by how awesome this broccoli pasta is. It's one of our favorite recipes.

Weeknight Pasta Ingredients

• 12 ounces broccoli florets
• 1 pound fusilli (or other chunky pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup shredded parmesan

How to Make this Pasta Recipe

Here's how to make this easy broccoli pasta recipe!

1. Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat. 
2. Heat the oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the onions and cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until lightly browned. 
3. Meanwhile, when the water is boiling, add the broccoli to it and let boil for 5 minutes. 
4. Once the onion has cooked, add the garlic and let cook for 30 seconds before stirring. Then add the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. 
5. Using a slotted spoon or metal sieve, scoop the broccoli out of the water and add it to the pot with the onions. Do not drain the water. Scoop out 1 cup of the pasta water and add it to the broccoli sauce. Bring sauce to a simmer and then reduce heat to medium-low. 
6. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions. 
7. Allow the broccoli sauce to simmer while the pasta cooks, stirring occasionally. 
8. Heat the butter in a small frying pan and once melted add the breadcrumbs. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown. 
9. Once the pasta has cooked, drain it and add it to the broccoli sauce, add half the cheese and half the breadcrumbs, and stir to combine. 
10. Serve the pasta topped with the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs. 

Other Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

We love a delicious, vegetarian pasta recipe. Here are some of our favorite veggie-heavy pasta recipes we think you'll enjoy.

• Roasted Veggie Pasta with Feta - wonderfully flavored with fresh veggies and roasted feta make a delicious dish.
• Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta - loads of flavor and the just burst tomatoes are like little pockets of joy in each bite. 
• Pesto Pasta Salad - fresh veggies and pesto in a zesty pasta salad.

Tips for this Recipe

• This recipe requires managing a few different pots, so read through the whole recipe before making it.
• Be sure to save the water you cook the broccoli in (scoop out the broccoli, don't drain it), because you'll cook the pasta in the same water - it adds flavor + saves time.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta. Cook it for the minimum time according to the package. (If it says 10 to 12 minutes, cook it for 10).
• This pasta is best served fresh, but it will save in the refrigerator for up to four days.