Zingy Garlic Broccoli Olive Oil Pasta Recipe for Busy Cooks

Steaming hot pasta tossed with roasted garlic broccoli olive oil pasta recipe bursts with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp broccoli florets caramelize beautifully when roasted, releasing their natural sweetness.

The golden garlic adds a rich, nutty depth that complements the tender pasta perfectly.

Drizzled with quality olive oil, this simple dish transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and aromatic notes.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.

Let’s find out this delectable combination that proves sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 455 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Garlic Broccoli and Olive Oil Pasta

• Garlic (Whole and Minced): Builds deep, aromatic foundation with intense, pungent kick that infuses the entire dish with rich Mediterranean essence.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat and vibrant warmth, creating exciting taste complexity and subtle spicy undertone.

• Penne Pasta: Sturdy pasta shape with ridged surface that perfectly catches and holds sauce.
• Broccoli Florets: Provides nutritious green element with tender-crisp texture and natural sweetness.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Creates silky sauce base, enhances overall flavor and brings luxurious Mediterranean smoothness.

• Sea Salt: Elevates and balances all other ingredients with clean, mineral-rich enhancement.
• Fresh Black Pepper: Delivers sharp, aromatic brightness with classic complementary seasoning.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds creamy, salty depth and luxurious finish with traditional Italian charm.

Cooking Tools for Broccoli Olive Oil Pasta

• Large Frying Pan: Essential for cooking broccoli and creating the sauce.
• Pot: Needed to boil and cook pasta to al dente perfection.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Grater: Useful for creating fresh Parmesan cheese topping.
• Knife: Required for mincing garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping and preparing vegetables.

How to Prepare Garlic Broccoli Olive Oil Pasta

• Broccoli Preparation

Warm olive oil gently in a large skillet. Toss in whole garlic cloves and broccoli with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir occasionally until broccoli softens and becomes tender.

• Pasta Cooking

Start boiling salted water and cook pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain and set aside.

• Garlic Management

Pull out the whole garlic cloves and discard. Nudge broccoli to the pan’s edges, creating a cozy center space.

• Flavor Awakening

Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan’s center. Let them dance and release their aromatic magic for a couple of minutes.

• Harmonious Mixing

Merge pasta with the vibrant broccoli and garlic mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings to your heart’s desire.

• Final Touch

Transfer to serving plates. Shower with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add a whisper of extra olive oil if you’re feeling indulgent. Savor every delicious bite.

Variations and Tips for Garlic Broccoli Pasta

• Keep whole garlic cloves in the dish for a subtle, mellow flavor that infuses the oil without overwhelming the pasta.
• Cook broccoli just until fork-tender to maintain its vibrant green color and slight crunch, preventing mushy vegetables.
• Save a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid helps create a silkier sauce and helps ingredients stick together perfectly.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference. Start with a pinch for mild warmth, or add more for a fiery kick that wakes up the entire dish.
• Experiment with different hard cheeses like pecorino romano or aged asiago instead of Parmesan. A high-quality extra virgin olive oil drizzled at the end elevates the entire pasta's flavor profile.

Serving Garlic Broccoli Olive Oil Pasta the Best Way

• Flavor Boost Companions: Sprinkle crispy breadcrumbs or toasted pine nuts on top for extra crunch and nutty depth that elevates the entire dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or pan-seared tofu to transform this light pasta into a hearty, satisfying meal that keeps you full longer.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the garlic and broccoli notes with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the olive oil's richness and enhances the pasta's fresh flavors.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Chop fresh basil, parsley, or oregano and scatter over the pasta just before serving to introduce bright, aromatic notes that make the dish feel more gourmet and vibrant.

How to Store Garlic Broccoli Olive Oil Pasta

• Quick Batch Prep: Chop broccoli and garlic ahead of time, storing them in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This trick saves precious cooking minutes during busy weeknights.
• Leftover Magic: Refrigerate pasta in an airtight container for 3-4 days. When reheating, sprinkle a few drops of water to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat for best texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: While pasta with sauce doesn't freeze perfectly, you can freeze cooked broccoli and garlic separately for future quick meals. Pack in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Smart Portion Control: Make extra servings and divide into individual meal-prep containers. These ready-to-go meals work great for lunch at work or quick dinners when you're short on time, ensuring healthy eating stays convenient.

Zesty Garlic Broccoli Olive Oil Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Quick pasta celebrates garlic broccoli olive oil blend with simple Mediterranean flavors. Home cooks can enjoy this light, fresh dish in less than 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

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• ½ cup (120 milliliters/4 fl oz) extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 6 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed)
• 7 whole and minced garlic cloves (4 whole, smashed; 3 minced)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Sea salt (to taste)
• Fresh black pepper (to taste)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Warm olive oil in a large pan over medium-low heat, introducing whole garlic cloves and broccoli florets, seasoning with salt and pepper to develop a robust flavor foundation.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Cook broccoli and garlic until vegetables become fork-tender, removing whole garlic cloves while maintaining the infused essence in the pan.
3. Pasta Cooking: Simultaneously boil salted water and cook pasta until perfectly al dente, typically reaching ideal texture in 8-10 minutes.
4. Aromatic Enhancement: Create a flavor center by adding minced garlic and red pepper flakes, allowing them to release their intense fragrance for approximately 2 minutes.
5. Combining Elements: Transfer drained pasta directly into the pan, gently tossing to ensure each strand absorbs the savory broccoli and garlic mixture, using reserved pasta water if needed for optimal coating.
6. Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to personal taste preferences, then plate the pasta and crown with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Finishing Flourish: Complete the dish with a graceful drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, adding a luxurious sheen and depth of flavor to the vibrant pasta creation.

Notes

• Garlic Infusion Technique: Remove whole garlic cloves after sautéing to prevent bitter or overpowering flavor while still imparting delicious aromatic essence into the vegetables.
• Pasta Water Magic: Save a small amount of starchy pasta water to help create a silky, cohesive sauce that helps ingredients cling perfectly to pasta strands.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium-low heat to gently cook broccoli and garlic, preventing burning and ensuring vegetables remain vibrant and tender.
• Flavor Layering: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes at the end to create a deep, complex taste profile that elevates the entire dish without overwhelming the delicate broccoli and olive oil base.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg