One Pot Broccoli Pasta – Easy, Creamy & Healthy
If you’re craving a quick, comforting, and wholesome meal, this One Pot Broccoli Pasta is the perfect recipe to try. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together in just 20 minutes using a single pot – which means minimal cleanup!
Broccoli adds a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber, while the pasta provides that comforting carb goodness we all love. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just need a simple one-pan dish after a busy day, this recipe is a lifesaver.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Heat the pot – In a large deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add pasta & broth – Pour in vegetable broth and add pasta. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Cook pasta – Let the pasta cook uncovered for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add broccoli – Add broccoli florets directly into the pot. Cook for another 5–6 minutes until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender.
- Make it creamy – Stir in milk, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Season – Add salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to taste.
- Finish & serve – Remove from heat, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve warm.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Tips & Variations
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Extra veggies: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more nutrition.
- Cheese swap: Use cheddar, feta, or gouda instead of mozzarella for unique flavors.
- Make it spicy: Add extra chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Creamier option: Replace milk with half-and-half or a splash of cream.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Oil Version: Skip the butter and just use broth for cooking.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or lentils.
- Dairy-Free: Replace milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
- Keto-Friendly: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles, keeping the broccoli and creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This One Pot Broccoli Pasta is best served hot, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
It’s a fantastic weeknight recipe that’s creamy, cheesy, and wholesome without being heavy. Plus, the “one pot” method makes cleanup a breeze – win-win for busy home cooks!
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just add it directly to the pot (no need to thaw).
Q2: How do I make it vegan?
Use plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat) and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
Q3: Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can cook it ahead and reheat before serving. The pasta may absorb some sauce, so add extra liquid when reheating.
Q5: What pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle work best since they cook evenly and hold the creamy sauce well.
