Easy One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta

Get ready for a dish that’s about to become your new weeknight go-to! Picture this: tender pasta tossed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with fresh broccoli adding that perfect crunch. The best part? It all cooks in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Simple, quick, and absolutely satisfying, this Easy One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta is comfort food at its finest. It’s perfect when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Easy One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, which makes clean-up so easy and stress-free. Less time cleaning, more time eating!
• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can have a hearty, flavorful meal on the table in no time.
• Buttery Goodness: The garlic butter sauce is rich, savory, and full of flavor, making this pasta totally irresistible.
• Healthy-ish: We’ve got broccoli in the mix to add a pop of color and a nice little crunch. It’s comforting but has a hint of healthy goodness!
• Customizable: This recipe is super versatile. You can switch out the broccoli for other veggies, add some chicken for extra protein, or even toss in a handful of cheese to make it extra creamy.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this super simple, flavor-packed dish:

• Pasta: Your favorite short pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work perfectly here) will be your base. You can use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option, or gluten-free if needed.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add crunch, nutrition, and a vibrant green color to the dish. You can also use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand.
• Butter: The star of the show! This brings the creamy richness to the sauce and perfectly coats the pasta and veggies.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a savory, aromatic depth to the sauce. It’s essential for that irresistible garlic flavor!
• Chicken Broth: This creates a flavorful base for your sauce and helps cook the pasta without making it too greasy.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): For an extra layer of flavor, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan is perfect on top. It also helps thicken the sauce just a little.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the garlic and give the pasta a little extra richness.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course! The right amount of seasoning is key to bringing all those flavors together.

(Note: Full measurements are available in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to bring this tasty dish to life:

1. Sauté the Garlic

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—you want it golden, not crispy!

2. Cook the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften slightly. This step helps bring out the flavor of the broccoli and adds a little bit of color to the dish.

3. Add the Pasta and Broth

Pour in the pasta and chicken broth. Stir everything together to make sure the pasta is submerged in the broth. Bring it to a simmer, then cover the pot. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

4. Add the Butter

Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the butter. Let it melt into the pasta, creating a rich, buttery sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using Parmesan, stir it in now to make the sauce even more flavorful and creamy.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Give everything a final stir, then serve hot. You can top with more Parmesan if you like, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450

• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 11g
• Vitamin A: 25%
• Vitamin C: 90%
• Calcium: 10%
• Iron: 8%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Easy One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta

This simple dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides or can stand alone as a satisfying meal. Here are some ideas for serving:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up that extra sauce. So good!
• Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette will add a refreshing balance to the rich, buttery pasta.
• Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Add some protein by serving this pasta with grilled chicken or shrimp on top.
• Roasted Vegetables: If you want to add more veggies, roasted carrots, zucchini, or even a little roasted garlic would pair perfectly.

Additional Tips

• Make It Creamy: If you want to turn this into a creamy garlic butter pasta, simply stir in a little heavy cream or cream cheese at the end. It’s rich and indulgent!
• Switch Up the Veggies: You can swap the broccoli for other veggies like spinach, peas, or even mushrooms. Get creative with whatever you have!
• Add Protein: To make this dish heartier, throw in some cooked chicken, bacon bits, or even sausage to make it a full meal.
• Use Frozen Broccoli: If you’re in a rush, frozen broccoli will work too. Just make sure to thaw it and drain the excess water before adding it to the pasta.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, frozen broccoli works great! Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the pot.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
A2: Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter and skip the Parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A3: Yes! Any short pasta will work—penne, rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q4: How can I make this spicier?
A4: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it a little kick.

Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A5: This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Q6: Can I add cheese to this dish?
A6: Yes! Adding Parmesan or mozzarella at the end will make it extra cheesy and delicious.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a bit of broth or water.

Q8: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
A8: Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute if you want to keep it vegetarian.

Q9: Can I add chicken to this recipe?
A9: Definitely! Grilled or sautéed chicken would make a great addition for some extra protein.

Q10: Can I freeze this dish?
A10: Freezing is not ideal for this recipe as the texture of the pasta may change. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month and reheat when ready.

Conclusion

This Easy One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that makes meal time a breeze. It’s rich, savory, and comforting without being complicated. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish will hit the spot every time. One pot, minimal effort, and maximum flavor—what’s not to love? Happy cooking!

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