Name: One Pot Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 Tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 ¼ cups half and half; ½ pound medium pasta shells; ¼ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, dried thyme, salt; ½ teaspoon EACH: dried oregano, dried parsley; 3 ½ cups broccoli florets, uncooked; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

One Pot Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate creamy, veggie-packed dinner you can whip up in just 25 minutes. It’s my go-to one pot recipe when I need something fast, flavorful, and fuss-free for busy weeknights. Minimal dishes, maximum flavor—this dish has it all.

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I’m all about cutting corners in the kitchen without sacrificing taste, and this quick broccoli pasta recipe delivers every single time. By cooking everything in one pan, you save on cleanup while also infusing the pasta with incredible flavor from the garlic, broth, and Parmesan cheese. No extra pots, no draining boiling water—trust me, after trying this once, you won’t cook pasta the old-fashioned way again!

Why This One Pot Broccoli Pasta Is a Game-Changer

Faster than traditional pasta recipes: Forget boiling water in a separate pot—everything cooks in one pan, saving you 5-10 minutes.
Minimal cleanup: With just one skillet to wash, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
Flavor-packed: The pasta absorbs the garlic-infused broth, giving you big flavors in every bite.
Hands-off cooking: Once your ingredients are in the pot, you can handle other tasks while it simmers away.
Family-friendly: This creamy, cheesy pasta is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Equipment You’ll Need for This One Pot Broccoli Pasta

The beauty of this homemade broccoli pasta dish is that it requires almost nothing fancy. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large skillet: Aim for one with a lid and tall sides to fit the pasta and sauce without spilling over. I use a 12-inch skillet for this recipe.
Silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pan and for scraping up all those delicious bits of flavor from the bottom.
Fine grater: A microplane or box grater is ideal for powdery Parmesan cheese.

If you don’t have a skillet with a lid, a large Dutch oven or stock pot works as well!

Simple Ingredients for One Pot Broccoli Pasta

This easy one pot broccoli pasta gets its creamy, cheesy goodness from just a handful of everyday ingredients. Here are the MVPs:

Pasta: Medium shells are my go-to, but fusilli or bowtie pasta work just as well. Smaller shapes cook faster, saving even more time.
Broccoli: Fresh florets are best. Cut them into small, even pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
Parmesan cheese: For that smooth, melty finish, always grate your Parmesan from a block—pre-shredded versions don’t melt as well.
Half and half: This adds richness without being as heavy as cream. You could use milk for a lighter version or cream for extra indulgence.

Bonus: Most of these ingredients are staples, making it easy to pull this together even on short notice.

One Pot Broccoli Pasta Recipe Details

Servings: 4 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

One Pot Broccoli Pasta Ingredients

4 Tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 ¼ cups half and half
½ pound medium pasta shells
¼ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, dried thyme, salt
½ teaspoon EACH: dried oregano, dried parsley
3 ½ cups broccoli florets, uncooked
2 teaspoons lemon juice
¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

How to Make One Pot Broccoli Pasta

Start by measuring out all your ingredients. (Pro tip: This is called “mise en place” and saves time!)
Pro tip: Chop your broccoli into small, evenly sized florets so they cook quickly and blend seamlessly into the sauce.
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and half and half, then stir in the onion powder, thyme, salt, oregano, and parsley. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add in the pasta shells, ensuring they are submerged. Cover partially and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
When there are about 6 minutes left on the pasta cook time, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir and let them steam in the creamy broth.
Taste a piece of pasta to check doneness. If it needs longer, let it cook covered for another couple of minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat, stir in the lemon juice, and gently fold in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Sauce will thicken as it stands.
Garnish with parsley if you like, and serve with crusty garlic bread. Enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best One Pot Broccoli Pasta

Grate your cheese: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest results. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt the same way.
Don’t rush the broccoli: Adding it at the right time (during the pasta’s last 6 minutes) ensures it’s perfectly tender without being mushy.
Keep stirring: Give the pasta a good stir every now and then to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
Don’t let the sauce boil after the cheese: High heat can cause the sauce to separate. Stir it in once the heat is off.
Batch cook: This reheats beautifully—perfect for meal prep lunches.

Easy One Pot Broccoli Pasta Variations

Add protein: Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage for an even heartier dish.
Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce for a zesty kick.
Switch the veggies: Don’t have broccoli? Use peas, spinach, or even asparagus.

One Pot Broccoli Pasta FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can! Just toss in the frozen florets during the last 4-5 minutes of cooking instead of 6 minutes to account for their softer texture.

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

Medium shells, fusilli, or bowtie pasta work best because they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Avoid long strands like spaghetti or linguine.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Can I double this recipe?

Sure! Just use a larger skillet or pot to ensure everything fits. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly for even heating.

This One Pot Broccoli Pasta is proof that fast food can be homemade and delicious. What’s your favorite kitchen shortcut? Let’s swap ideas in the comments!