Hey you, let’s talk about pasta. Not just any pasta, but a rustic garlic butter pasta with roasted broccoli. The kind that’s rich, buttery, and loaded with flavor. And you know the best part? It’s super easy to make. No complicated steps. No fancy ingredients. Just good old pasta, garlic, butter, and perfectly roasted broccoli.
And if you follow my simple method, your broccoli will have that perfect crisp-tender bite. No mushy mess here.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Important Info
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Estimated Cost to Make This Recipe: Around $8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 450
- Cook Method: Stovetop & Roasting
- Season: Any season
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Rustic Garlic Butter Pasta with Roasted Broccoli
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional but recommended)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | Fettuccine, linguine, or penne |
| Butter | Olive oil or ghee |
| Parmesan cheese | Grated pecorino or nutritional yeast (for vegan) |
| Red pepper flakes | Black pepper or smoked paprika |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the broccoli florets on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat.
- Roast the broccoli for 15 minutes or until slightly crispy and golden on the edges.
- While the broccoli is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Stir in the roasted broccoli and mix well.
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss again. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Helpful Tips
- If you want extra crispy broccoli, roast it for 5 more minutes.
- For more flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- If you like heat, double the red pepper flakes.
- Don’t rinse your pasta after draining. It helps the garlic butter sauce stick better.
- Want to add protein? Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp.
What to Serve with Rustic Garlic Butter Pasta with Roasted Broccoli
This pasta pairs well with:
- A simple side salad with balsamic dressing
- Garlic bread
- Roasted cherry tomatoes
- A glass of white wine (if you drink)
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I love serving this pasta in deep bowls so every bite is coated in that buttery goodness. If you want to be fancy, use tongs to twirl the pasta into a nest shape before plating.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is great for a cozy dinner at home. It’s also perfect for meal prep since it reheats well. If you need a quick weeknight meal, this is it. You can also serve it at casual dinner parties because it looks and tastes impressive with very little effort.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re serving it later the same day, keep the pasta covered on the stovetop for up to 3 hours.
- Toss with a little extra butter or olive oil before reheating.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or butter to loosen the pasta.
Freezing
- You can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months, but the texture may change slightly.
- Store in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, just swap the butter for olive oil and the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free alternative.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw it first and pat it dry. It won’t get as crispy, but it will still taste great.
What type of pasta works best?
Long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works best, but short pasta like penne or rotini will also work.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu would go well with this pasta.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes. If your kids don’t like spicy food, just leave out the red pepper flakes. They’ll love the buttery garlic flavor.
