About this recipe
This one-pot pasta with broccoli, garlic, and lemon is my version of fast food. It’s ready in 20 minutes, packed with flavor and nutrients, and made with real, wholesome ingredients you probably already have at home—no weird additives, no mystery sauces—just pasta, veggies, and love in a bowl.
Why will you love this recipe?
- Customizable. Use whatever you have—cauliflower, asparagus, or spinach, which also work great here.
- It’s fast and family-friendly. Dinner on the table in 20 minutes? Yes, please.
- Only one pot. Less mess = happy you.
- Healthy and comforting. Bright lemon, savory garlic, and nourishing broccoli make it a win-win.
Ingredient Notes
- Short pasta
- Broccoli – Use florets and save the stems for soup or salads. Don’t waste them!
- Garlic – Sliced or smashed, garlic brings the flavor.
- Butter + olive oil – For richness and a silky finish.
- Lemon zest and juice – The secret to that fresh and zippy taste.
- Red chili or flakes – Optional, but great for a gentle heat.
- Parmesan, but nutritional yeast or crushed nuts also work.
How to make it
- Boil the broccoli and pasta
- Make the flavorful sauce
- Combine everything
- Serve and garnish
Home-cook to home-cook tips
- No vegan butter? Use all olive oil, or sub with cashew cream for a creamy twist.
- Kids don’t love broccoli? Try finely chopping it or swapping it with peas or zucchini.
- Want more protein? Toss in white beans, tofu cubes, or chickpeas.
- Meal prep tip: This is best fresh, but you can store leftovers for up to 2 days. When reheating, just add a splash of water or olive oil.
Easy One-Pot Pasta with Broccoli
Equipment
- Pasta pot
Ingredients
- 8 oz short pasta
- 4 cups of broccoli cut into pieces
- 3 garlic cloves peeled
- 2 tablespoons of vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- zest of a lemon
- juice of a lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red chili pepper
- Parmesan cheese I use vegan Violife brand
Instructions
- Boil the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 2 minutes, then remove and set aside. For bright, crunchy broccoli, immediately transfer to a bowl of iced water to stop the cooking process.
- Cook the Pasta: In the same boiling water, add your pasta and cook according to package instructions. Before draining, save 1 cup of pasta water for later.
- Make the Flavorful Sauce: In a pan (or back in the same pot), heat the vegan butter, olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest over medium heat. Cook for about a minute—just long enough to soften the garlic but not brown it. Add the red chili flakes if you like a little kick.
- Combine Pasta and Broccoli: Remove the pan from the heat. Add the saved pasta water, salt (about 2 teaspoons), pepper, and lemon juice. Stir to combine, then toss in the pasta and broccoli. Mix gently, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately, topped with your choice of pine nuts, hemp seeds, or vegan Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Ingredient Swap: Feel free to swap out broccoli for asparagus, mushrooms, or cauliflower.
- For Extra Creaminess: Add a bit of vegan cream or cream cheese for a richer flavor.
- Storage: This dish is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water or olive oil.
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
I’m Ale Graf, a Mexican living in Texas and the creator of AleCooks and Piloncillo&Vainilla. I share easy, family-friendly recipes—some Mexican, mostly plant-based—that can be enjoyed all day, every day. My focus is on recipes that bring people together around the table, making mealtime simple, delicious and meaningful. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino, and my recipes have been featured in numerous online magazines and publications.
Follow along on my social accounts for daily inspiration, tips, and delicious recipes! I’d love to hear about you! Send me a DM on Instagram, and let’s talk all things food 🍽️✨