Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta is a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines fresh broccoli, pasta, and simple pantry ingredients to create a hearty, flavorful dish that everyone will love.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Healthy and wholesome: Packed with vitamins and fiber from broccoli.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
- Kid-approved: A great way to sneak in vegetables.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to your taste with added proteins or spices.
What Is Jamie Oliver Broccoli Pasta?
Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish made with tender broccoli, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, tossed with pasta. It’s a perfect combination of taste and nutrition.

Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
Jamie Oliver Broccoli Pasta Ingredients
- 300g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 100g (3.5 oz) cooked chicken or shrimp
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- A handful of fresh basil or parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Broccoli Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli
- In the same pot, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 4-5 minutes of pasta cooking time. Drain the pasta and broccoli together.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Chili
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chili (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Broccoli
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat in the garlic oil. Use a fork to mash some of the broccoli for a creamier texture.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Lemon
- Stir in the grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and bring everything together.
Step 6: Season and Serve
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs, if desired.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Broccoli Pasta
- Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavors.
- Green salad: Adds a refreshing crunch to the meal.
- Roasted vegetables: Complements the pasta beautifully.
- Grilled chicken: A protein-packed addition to the dish.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Broccoli Pasta
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: Keep it tender but still vibrant green.
- Use pasta water: It adds starchy richness to the sauce.
- Adjust the spice: Add more or less chili to suit your taste.
- Experiment with cheese: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a flavor twist.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of ricotta or cream for extra richness.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Broccoli Pasta
- Vegan option: Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute.
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled sausage.
- Cheesy delight: Stir in mozzarella or cheddar for a gooey texture.
- Mediterranean twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
- Herbaceous flavor: Incorporate fresh mint or basil.
How to Store Leftovers Jamie Oliver Broccoli Pasta?
- Refrigerate properly: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Broccoli Pasta?
- On the stove: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil.
- In the microwave: Warm in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 6g
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this pasta recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well for this recipe. Add it directly to the boiling pasta water a few minutes before the pasta is done cooking.
How do I make broccoli pasta creamier?
Mash some of the cooked broccoli with a fork or blend a portion of it with reserved pasta water. Adding a dollop of cream, ricotta, or cream cheese also enhances the creaminess.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by replacing Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative and using olive oil instead of butter.
What type of pasta works best for broccoli pasta?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works great as it holds the sauce well. Long pasta like spaghetti or linguine also pairs beautifully with the broccoli.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta is a quick, healthy, and delicious recipe perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Try it today for a satisfying and wholesome meal!
Print
Jamie Oliver Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish made with tender broccoli, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, tossed with pasta. It’s a perfect combination of taste and nutrition.
Ingredients
- 300g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 100g (3.5 oz) cooked chicken or shrimp
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- A handful of fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli
- In the same pot, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 4-5 minutes of pasta cooking time. Drain the pasta and broccoli together.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Chili
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chili (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Broccoli
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat in the garlic oil. Use a fork to mash some of the broccoli for a creamier texture.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Lemon
- Stir in the grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and bring everything together.
Step 6: Season and Serve
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs, if desired.