Description
Pasta nights get a delicious twist with Smashed Broccoli Pasta. Creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor, this easy recipe combines tender pasta with a luscious smashed broccoli sauce for a comforting, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or preferred pasta
1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
For the Smashed Broccoli Sauce:
2 large heads broccoli (about 500 g), chopped into florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup (120 ml) vegetable broth or reserved pasta water
½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream or plant-based cream
⅓ cup (35 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Optional Garnishes:
Extra Parmesan cheese
Toasted pine nuts or walnuts
Fresh basil or parsley leaves
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
Prepare the Broccoli:
Steam or boil broccoli florets for 6–8 minutes until tender but still vibrant green. Drain and set aside.
Smash the Broccoli:
Transfer cooked broccoli to a large bowl. Gently smash with a potato masher or back of a large spoon until broken down but still slightly textured.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 1–2 minutes. Add smashed broccoli and vegetable broth (or reserved pasta water) and stir. Pour in cream, reduce heat to low, and simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat thoroughly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
Serve and Garnish:
Plate the pasta in bowls. Top with extra Parmesan, toasted nuts, and fresh herbs. Serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh broccoli for vibrant color and flavor.
Avoid overcooking pasta and broccoli to maintain texture.
Smash, don’t puree, for a creamy yet slightly chunky sauce.
Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4–1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Smashed Broccoli Pasta, Creamy Broccoli Pasta, Garlic Broccoli Pasta, Easy Broccoli Pasta