This One Pot Broccoli Pasta is cheesy, quick to make, and has easy cleanup! Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep!
Pasta is a huge staple in my house that I know my whole family enjoys.
It doesn’t matter what I add to it or how it’s used- it’ll still get eaten!
Some of the best meals I make have a short cooking time and just a handful of ingredients. And this one-pot meal does the trick!

This One Pot Broccoli Pasta is made with a few simple ingredients and just a few minutes of cooking. Serve this with a salad and garlic bread and you’ve got yourself an amazing dinner!
Scroll to the bottom of this post to get to the recipe card. Or keep reading for extra tips and tricks!
Ingredients
Small pasta shapes (I used shells)
Fresh broccoli
Garlic
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Other additions
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasonings, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes
Shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
Extra tips for an amazing recipe
- Small pasta shapes make for a quick cooking time! Pasta shells and elbow macaroni are good options.
- The broccoli size matters! Cut the broccoli into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat.
How to make

On a large cutting board, chop the broccoli into small bite-size pieces.

Boil water in a large pot. Add the pasta and broccoli at the same time, then lower to medium heat and cook until you have al dente pasta and tender broccoli.
Save one cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli into a colander.

Return the pot to the stove and add olive oil to the bottom of the pot. Turn to medium-high heat and add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes, then add the pasta and broccoli.

Add the rest of the olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper. Pour in some of the pasta water if needed, then stir to combine.

Divide into bowls and enjoy!
How to store
Once this has come to room temperature, store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. Use up within 3-5 days. Leftovers are a great way to save money and have lunch for work the next day!
More one-pan and one-pot recipe ideas
Need a quick meal? Check out some of my favorite recipes below!
Next time you’re looking for some easy meals, give this one a try! Print the recipe now:

One Pot Broccoli Pasta
This One Pot Broccoli Pasta is cheesy, quick to make, and has easy cleanup! Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces small pasta
- 5 cups raw broccoli, chopped into smaller pieces
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- On a large cutting board, chop the broccoli into small bite-size pieces.
- Boil water in a large pot. Add the pasta and broccoli at the same time, then lower to medium heat and cook until you have al dente pasta and tender broccoli.
- Save one cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli into a colander.
- Return the pot to the stove and add olive oil to the bottom of the pot. Turn to medium-high heat and add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes, then add the pasta and broccoli.
- Add the rest of the olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper. Pour in some of the pasta water if needed, then stir to combine.
- Divide into bowls and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 326Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 137mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 5gSugar: 2gProtein: 12g

Jaime is a Nutrition Coach and professional writer. She enjoys cooking easy meals, running, and learning more about food.
Jaime specializes in helping women with ADHD learn to meal plan and cook healthier meals without getting overwhelmed.