The Perfect Garlic Broccoli Olive Oil Pasta Recipe for Busy Nights

Garlic broccoli olive oil pasta represents culinary simplicity at its finest.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together in a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Robust green vegetables complement smooth, silky strands with incredible depth.

Aromatic herbs and sharp seasonings elevate this humble combination into something extraordinary.

Each ingredient contributes its unique character, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Home cooks appreciate its straightforward preparation and minimal ingredient list.

The result is a comforting dish that feels both rustic and refined.

Easy Steps to Make Garlic, Broccoli & Olive Oil Pasta Quickly

Step 1: Prep Broccoli and Garlic

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook while stirring frequently until broccoli becomes tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Boil Perfect Pasta

Fill a pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until it reaches al dente texture. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Remove Whole Garlic Cloves

Once broccoli is tender, take out and discard the whole garlic cloves. Spread broccoli to the sides of the pan, creating a clear center space.

Step 4: Bloom Aromatic Flavors

Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the center of the pan. Sauté for 2 minutes until garlic releases its fragrant aroma.

Step 5: Marry Pasta with Sauce

• Additional salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Extra red pepper flakes (optional)

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with a touch of extra olive oil if desired. Savor your delicious creation!

Tips for Garlic, Broccoli & Olive Oil Pasta That Isn’t Boring

• Garlic Mastery: Crush whole garlic cloves gently to release more flavor without burning, ensuring a rich, aromatic base for your pasta.
• Broccoli Brilliance: Cut broccoli into similar-sized florets for even cooking, maintaining a vibrant green color and perfect tender-crisp texture.
• Pasta Perfection: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles.
• Flavor Boosting: Toast red pepper flakes in olive oil briefly to intensify their heat and develop a deeper, more complex spice profile.
• Cheese Enhancement: Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm pasta and create a creamy finish.

Smart Ways to Save and Reheat Garlic, Broccoli & Olive Oil Pasta

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and seal tightly. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Pasta will absorb flavors as it sits, becoming more delicious overnight.
• Reheating Method: Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Splash a few drops of water or olive oil to prevent sticking and help restore moisture. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-4 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, which can make pasta dry and rubbery.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil after reheating to revive the pasta's original vibrant flavors. This quick step ensures your leftovers taste just as delectable as the first serving.

What to Plate with Garlic, Broccoli & Olive Oil Pasta

• Sip Crisp White Wine: Pair this garlicky pasta with a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness and complement the broccoli's fresh flavor.
• Crunch Fresh Salad: Serve a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette alongside the pasta to add brightness and balance the garlic's intensity.
• Melt Parmesan Perfectly: Sprinkle extra aged Parmesan cheese on top for a salty, nutty kick that enhances the olive oil and garlic notes.
• Toast Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic Italian bread to soak up the delicious olive oil and garlic sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Different Flavor Twists for Garlic, Broccoli & Olive Oil Pasta

• Lemon Zest Boost: Brighten the pasta by adding fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice when tossing the pasta, creating a tangy and refreshing flavor profile.
• Protein Power: Enhance the dish by incorporating grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp for added protein and depth of flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs over the finished pasta to introduce a delightful textural element and nutty undertone.
• Herb Garden Blend: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano just before serving to elevate the pasta's aromatic qualities and provide a fresh, green note.

Why Garlic, Broccoli & Olive Oil Pasta Is a Weeknight Hero

• Quick and Flavorful Meal: Combines simple ingredients like broccoli, garlic, and pasta into a delicious dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort Food: Delivers a balanced mix of vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal that nourishes your body while tasting amazing.
• Restaurant-Style Technique: Uses professional cooking methods like creating a flavor base with whole garlic and developing depth through sautéing, transforming basic ingredients into a gourmet-style pasta experience.
• Customizable Spice Adventure: Allows easy personalization with red pepper flakes, giving you control to make the dish mild or fiery hot according to your taste preferences.

Key Ingredients in Garlic, Broccoli & Olive Oil Pasta

• Pasta: Classic base for a quick and delicious meal, choose a shape that catches sauce well like penne or fusilli.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning pasta water and enhancing overall flavor.

• Broccoli, Garlic (Whole and Minced): Fresh green vegetable with rich nutrients, select firm and bright green broccoli. Garlic adds depth and aromatic notes to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides optional heat and warm spiciness to the pasta.

• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil for cooking and drizzling, adds rich flavor and smooth texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese with sharp taste, grated on top for additional flavor and richness.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground for added subtle heat and complexity.

Garlic Broccoli Olive Oil Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired garlic broccoli olive oil pasta promises pure comfort on a plate. Quick weeknight dinners never tasted so deliciously simple, letting fresh ingredients shine while satisfying hungry diners with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 oz (226 grams) penne pasta
• 6 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed)
• 4 whole garlic cloves (smashed)
• 3 minced garlic cloves

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Sea salt (to taste)
• Fresh black pepper (to taste)

Garnish:

• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large frying pan by heating olive oil over medium-low temperature, creating a gentle cooking environment.
2. Introduce whole garlic cloves and fresh broccoli florets into the pan, seasoning with a pinch of salt and ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
3. Gently sauté the broccoli and garlic, stirring consistently until the vegetables reach a tender consistency that can be easily pierced with a fork.
4. Simultaneously, bring a separate pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil for cooking the pasta.
5. Submerge the pasta in the boiling water and cook until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta variety.
6. Once the broccoli is tender, carefully remove and discard the whole garlic cloves, leaving behind the infused vegetables.
7. Create a small clearing in the center of the pan and add finely minced garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to intensify the aromatic profile.
8. Allow the minced garlic and pepper flakes to release their fragrance, stirring continuously for approximately 2 minutes.
9. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
10. Transfer the pasta directly into the pan, gently tossing to coat each strand with the savory broccoli and garlic mixture.
11. Fine-tune the seasoning by adding additional salt, ground black pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
12. Serve the pasta on warm plates, generously garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
13. Complete the dish with a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness and shine.

Notes

• Garlic cloves release incredible flavor when cooked slowly, infusing the entire dish with rich, mellow undertones.
• Cooking broccoli in olive oil helps retain its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, preventing nutrient loss.
• Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that builds gradually, creating depth and complexity in each bite.
• Pasta water’s starchy residue helps create a silky sauce that perfectly coats every strand and broccoli floret.
• Grated Parmesan cheese provides a salty, umami finish that elevates the simple ingredients to a restaurant-quality meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg