Name: Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 Servings
Cuisine: Italian

Jule’s Menu Verified

February 11, 2026

A creamy, delicious, and quick-to-make broccoli pasta with a silky sauce of cream cheese, green pesto, and a touch of Parmesan. Tender broccoli and perfectly cooked pasta make this a simple, flavorful weeknight meal, with optional add-ins like cherry tomatoes or toasted nuts for extra flair.

From the Cook

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Broccoli Pasta

Jule’s Menu Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 6 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, wash the broccoli and cut it into small florets. Peel the garlic and shallot, and finely dice them.

Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat slightly and add the broccoli. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. Meanwhile, fill a bowl with ice cubes and cold water. After cooking, transfer the broccoli to the ice bath for 20 to 30 seconds, then drain it in a colander.

Bring the water in the pot back to a boil, add salt, then add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a skillet. Add the garlic and shallot and sauté with a pinch of salt for about 1 minute. Add the broccoli florets and gently crush some of them with a wooden spoon. If needed, add a little pasta water to prevent the garlic from burning.

Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water. Add the pasta, cream cheese, pesto, and about 3–4 tbsp of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, and stir well. Mix in the Parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Optionally, finish the pasta with a little lemon zest to taste.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Broccoli Blanching Technique 💦
Briefly blanch the broccoli in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding to the pasta to ensure vibrant color, crisp texture, and remove any raw bitterness.
Pasta Water Magic 💧
Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining - this liquid gold helps create a silky, emulsified sauce and can adjust the consistency perfectly.
Cheese Melting Mastery 🧀
Remove the pan from direct heat when incorporating cream cheese and Parmesan to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
Garlic Flavor Maximization 🧄
Gently crush and slice garlic instead of mincing to release more complex flavors without burning, and add it after the shallots to prevent bitterness.
Zesty Lemon Finish 🍋
Add fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of juice at the very end to brighten the entire dish and cut through the richness of the creamy sauce.

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About the Cook

Jule’s Menu

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and author behind Jules’ Menu. I’ve spent the last eight years perfecting healthy everyday recipes so they strike the perfect balance between healthy and nourishing, simple and practical, and gourmet-level delicious.