One-Pot Pasta with Broccoli and Parmesan

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-18 · Updated 2026-04-18

Creamy pasta cooked with broccoli and parmesan in a single pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This Italian-inspired kid-friendly recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs penne pasta, broccoli florets, grated parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper

Chef’s knives that make the prep fast → Best Chef's Knives for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add 8 oz penne pasta; cook for 8 minutes until al dente.
2. Step 2: Add 2 cups broccoli florets to the pot and cook for 4 more minutes, then drain pasta and broccoli while reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.
3. Step 3: Return the pot to low heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil; stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add drained pasta and broccoli back to the pot, along with 1/2 cup reserved cooking water, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup milk.
5. Step 5: Cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly until sauce thickens and coats the pasta, then season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.