This creamy broccoli pasta transforms cooked broccoli florets into a naturally silky sauce paired with orecchiette, garlic, and parmesan. The broccoli softens and mingles with olive oil and butter to create richness without cream.
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with salt.
Add the orecchiette pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions.
When the pasta is halfway cooked, add the broccoli florets to the same pot to cook with the pasta.
In a separate large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and cook until lightly golden brown.
Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for about 10 seconds more.
Carefully add a ladle of the starchy pasta water to the skillet to stop the garlic from browning further.
When the pasta is al dente, use a spider strainer to transfer the pasta and broccoli directly into the skillet.
Add more pasta water as needed and continue to cook, stirring and tossing. The broccoli will begin to break down and create a creamy sauce.
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Add the butter, grated parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Toss everything together until the butter is melted and the sauce is emulsified.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated parmesan cheese.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of pasta water to restore creaminess.
No. The broccoli florets break down during cooking and create a creamy texture naturally when combined with olive oil, butter, and pasta water, eliminating the need for cream.
Yes. Orecchiette works well because its cup shape catches sauce, but penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are suitable alternatives.
Cook broccoli until florets are very tender and begin to fall apart slightly when stirred—about 8–10 minutes. They should be soft enough to partially break down into the sauce.
The pasta is best served fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of pasta water or olive oil to restore creaminess.
Yes. It contains only vegetables, pasta, olive oil, butter, and cheese—no meat or animal broth.
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