Easy One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta Recipe

If you’ve been searching for that perfect blend of comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner ideas, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Easy One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into a harmonious medley of garlic-infused butter, tender pasta, and vibrant green broccoli, all cooked together in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re rushing through a busy weeknight or craving a cozy meal, this recipe brings both ease and deliciousness to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of staple ingredients that come together beautifully — nothing complicated or hard to find. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from adding richness and aroma to brightening the dish with fresh color and texture.

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice): Choose your favorite shape to soak up all that garlicky butter goodness and broth.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a light fruity base that complements the butter nicely.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The star of the show for that creamy, luscious sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides the irresistible, fragrant punch that fills your kitchen while cooking.
• 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets: Offering a fresh, slightly crisp bite and vibrant green color.
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Keeps the pasta moist and infuses savory depth as it simmers.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess and a nutty finish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Simply enhances all the flavors perfectly.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a subtle kick if you love a little heat.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional): Adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color when serving.

How to Make Easy One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Heat Olive Oil

Start by warming the olive oil and unsalted butter together in a large pot over medium heat. This combo ensures a rich mouthfeel while preventing the butter from burning, setting the stage for a deeply flavorful base.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and olive oil, sautéing it gently for about one minute until it releases that inviting, aromatic scent. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much — we want fragrant, not bitter!

Step 3: Coat the Pasta

Toss in your pasta of choice directly into the pot and stir well to coat every strand or piece with the garlicky buttery mixture. This step helps the pasta start absorbing some of those rich flavors right away.

Step 4: Add Broth and Bring to Simmer

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the entire mixture to a simmer. The broth is going to do double duty here — cooking the pasta and infusing it with that savory essence.

Step 5: Introduce the Broccoli

Stir in the broccoli florets and let everything simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, gently stirring occasionally. The pasta will become perfectly al dente while the broccoli softens just enough to retain a nice bite and bright green color.

Step 6: Adjust Liquid if Needed

If the pasta is soaking up the broth too quickly and looks like it might stick, add a splash more broth or water. Keeping the pasta moist at this stage guarantees a silky, saucy finish instead of a dry one.

Step 7: Season and Add Cheese

Once the pasta is tender, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if you’re using it, along with salt, freshly ground pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy edge. This final seasoning round brings everything together beautifully.

Step 8: Finish with Creamy Sauce

Remove the pot from heat and give everything a thorough stir to combine. As the sauce cools slightly, it will thicken and cling deliciously to the pasta and broccoli, making every bite utterly satisfying.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top as a fresh and pretty garnish before serving your creation hot and ready.

How to Serve Easy One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic and colorful topping, but don’t stop there. A sprinkling of extra Parmesan or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil enhances presentation and flavor. If you love more heat, add a few extra crushed red pepper flakes at the table for guests to customize their bites.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple mixed greens salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce, or even a bowl of soup for a heartier meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a lemon wedge on the side to squeeze over for a bright, fresh lift. You can also add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top for added crunch and a nutty twist that complements the garlic butter beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the pasta will continue to soak up sauce over time, so it might seem thicker when chilled.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if necessary. Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. Microwaving works too, but add liquid and stir halfway through to keep the pasta creamy and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different vegetable instead of broccoli?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and works well with green beans, zucchini, asparagus, or even spinach. Just adjust cooking times based on the vegetable’s tenderness to keep everything perfectly textured.

Is it necessary to use broth, or can I cook the pasta in water?

Broth adds depth and richness to the dish, but if you prefer, you can use salted water instead. Just know the flavor won’t be quite as savory and layered, so consider adding more seasoning to compensate.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use a plant-based butter substitute and vegetable broth, and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative. The olive oil and garlic flavors will still shine brightly.

What type of pasta works best for this one-pot recipe?

Short or medium-length pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works beautifully because it cooks evenly and holds the sauce well, but spaghetti or linguine can also be used if you prefer long noodles.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking in this one-pot method?

Stir frequently while it simmers and add extra broth or water if the liquid evaporates too quickly. This keeps the pasta coated and prevents it from sticking to the pot, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Easy One-Pot Garlic Butter Broccoli Pasta Recipe a try, especially when you want something comforting, quick, and full of that garlic butter charm. It’s a recipe that delivers big on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen or piles of dishes to wash. Treat yourself to this warm, homey meal and enjoy every bite!

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