Smashed Broccoli Pasta

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Craving a weeknight dinner that’s both cozy and vibrant? This Smashed Broccoli Pasta might be your new favorite. It delivers the heartiness of comfort food while sneaking in a full serving of greens, all in a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every pasta shape.

What makes this dish stand out is its rustic texture—tender broccoli is gently smashed into garlicky olive oil, creating a naturally creamy sauce without any cream. It’s fast, flexible, and ideal for days when you want nourishing flavor without a lot of fuss.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting this Smashed Broccoli Pasta just right begins with a few trusty kitchen essentials. First, a large pot is crucial to boil both the pasta and the broccoli together—not only does this save time, but it also infuses the pasta water with extra flavor.

Next, a slotted spoon or skimmer makes it easy to lift out the broccoli without draining the whole pot, so you can reuse the water for your pasta. A large mixing bowl or sauté pan is perfect for tossing everything together.

To get that beautifully smashed texture, a potato masher or even the back of a fork works wonders. And finally, you’ll need a microplane grater for a finishing touch of finely grated parmesan—it melts right into the dish for that extra layer of richness.

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Ingredients for the Smashed Broccoli Pasta

• Broccoli: The star of the dish. When boiled and mashed, it transforms into a creamy, slightly chunky sauce.
• Pasta (shells or orecchiette): These shapes hold onto the smashed broccoli sauce well, creating the perfect bite.
• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor that infuses the olive oil and coats the broccoli.
• Olive oil: Acts as the base of the sauce, giving it a smooth, rich texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty umami finish that ties all the flavors together.
• Salt: For seasoning the pasta water and adjusting flavor.
• Black pepper (optional): For a bit of heat and balance.

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How To Make the Smashed Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Broccoli Together

Fill a large pot with water, season it generously with salt, and bring it to a boil. Add your broccoli florets and pasta at the same time. Cook until the broccoli is soft and the pasta is al dente—usually around 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Scoop and Smash

Using a slotted spoon, scoop out the cooked broccoli and transfer it to a bowl. Reserve the pasta water. Use a fork or potato masher to smash the broccoli until it forms a chunky paste.

Step 3: Infuse the Oil

In a large sauté pan, warm olive oil and add minced garlic. Let it sizzle gently until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.

Step 4: Combine and Stir

Add the mashed broccoli into the pan with the garlic oil. Stir to combine, then add the cooked pasta directly into the pan. Toss everything together with a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan

Turn off the heat and mix in freshly grated parmesan. Stir until it melts into the sauce. Adjust with salt and black pepper to taste.

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How to Serve and Store Your Smashed Broccoli Pasta

Serve your Smashed Broccoli Pasta hot, topped with extra parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for richness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat if desired.

To store, let leftovers cool completely and place them in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water to revive the sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works just as well. Just boil it until tender and proceed with the recipe as usual.

What pasta shapes work best?

Shells, orecchiette, or any short pasta with crevices are ideal for capturing the smashed broccoli sauce.

Is this recipe vegan?

It can be! Just skip the parmesan or replace it with a vegan alternative.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the broccoli and garlic oil in advance. Combine everything fresh for best texture.

How do I make it spicier?

Add chili flakes to the garlic oil step or finish with a dash of hot sauce.

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Want More Broccoli Pasta Ideas?

You might also love the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup if you’re into cozy green bowls. Or keep things hearty with the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, which also leans into comforting flavors.

For more playful pasta dishes, try the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna or dive into veggie goodness with the California Spaghetti Salad.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your pasta board for later—just click the Pin button.

And if you give it a go, I’d love to hear! Did you tweak the garlic? Use whole wheat pasta? Drop your version in the comments. Let’s swap ideas.

For more everyday recipe inspiration, follow me over on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

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