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Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Name: Quick Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 150 g rigatoni or penne pasta (You can use either rigatoni or penne.); 3 pieces spring onions; 1 clove garlic (Peeled and finely grated.); 125 g cherry tomatoes (Halved.); 150 g broccoli (Thinly sliced florets and stalks.); 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 pinch chilli flakes (Adjust to taste.); 75 g cream cheese; Salt and pepper (To taste.)

Recipes

Jennifer Scott
August 30, 2025

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Why Make This Recipe

Quick broccoli pasta is a great choice for busy days when you need a nutritious meal in a hurry. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and makes use of simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. This dish brings together the goodness of broccoli and the heartiness of pasta, making it both satisfying and healthy.

How to Make Quick Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients:

150g/5½oz rigatoni or penne pasta
3 spring onions
1 garlic clove
125g/4½oz cherry tomatoes
150g/5½oz broccoli
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Pinch of chilli flakes, or to taste
75g/2¾oz cream cheese
Salt and pepper

Directions:

Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook for 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, slice the spring onions, peel and finely grate the garlic, halve the tomatoes, and thinly slice the broccoli florets and stalks.
Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan. Add the spring onions and fry for 1 minute until soft.
Add the garlic and chilli flakes, frying for 1 more minute.
Add the tomatoes and fry for a couple of minutes until they start to break down. Then, add the broccoli and fry for another 2 minutes.
Add a ladle or small mug of pasta water, stir everything, and cover with a lid. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is cooked. Then, remove the lid.
Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the broccoli mixture. Stir to combine.
Season with salt and pepper. Stir through the cream cheese and finish with plenty more black pepper.

How to Serve Quick Broccoli Pasta

Serve quick broccoli pasta hot, straight from the pan. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a simple green salad. A sprinkle of grated cheese on top adds an extra touch of flavor if you like.

How to Store Quick Broccoli Pasta

If you have leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a pan with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Tips to Make Quick Broccoli Pasta

Chop the broccoli into small pieces for quicker cooking.
Feel free to add other vegetables, like bell peppers or peas, based on what you have.
For extra protein, you can add cooked chicken or canned beans.

Variation

You can make this dish lighter by using a low-fat cream cheese or a plant-based alternative. Additionally, you can switch the pasta type for whole grain or gluten-free options.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as frozen vegetables may cook faster.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

What can I serve with this pasta?
You can pair it with grilled chicken, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Quick Broccoli Pasta

A nutritious and flavorful pasta dish that combines broccoli and cream cheese, perfect for busy days.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Pasta Ingredients

150 g rigatoni or penne pasta You can use either rigatoni or penne.

Vegetable Ingredients

3 pieces spring onions
1 clove garlic Peeled and finely grated.
125 g cherry tomatoes Halved.
150 g broccoli Thinly sliced florets and stalks.

Cooking Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 pinch chilli flakes Adjust to taste.

Finishing Ingredients

75 g cream cheese
Salt and pepper To taste.

Method

Cooking the Pasta

Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook for 12 minutes.

Preparing the Vegetables

Meanwhile, slice the spring onions, peel and finely grate the garlic, halve the tomatoes, and thinly slice the broccoli florets and stalks.

Cooking the Vegetables

Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan. Add the spring onions and fry for 1 minute until soft.
Add the garlic and chilli flakes, frying for 1 more minute.
Add the tomatoes and fry for a couple of minutes until they start to break down. Then, add the broccoli and fry for another 2 minutes.

Combining Ingredients

Add a ladle or small mug of pasta water, stir everything, and cover with a lid. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is cooked. Then, remove the lid.
Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the broccoli mixture. Stir to combine.

Final Seasoning

Season with salt and pepper. Stir through the cream cheese and finish with plenty more black pepper.

Notes

Serve hot, potentially with a green salad or grated cheese. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

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Jennifer Scott

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