Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta is a deliciously unique and wholesome dish that combines vibrant, nutrient-packed broccoli with a creamy, flavorful sauce, making it an easy and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and indulgent.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta

Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta is a fantastic vegetarian pasta dish that creatively uses broccoli as the star ingredient. The broccoli is blended into a creamy sauce, combined with al dente pasta, and garnished with Parmesan cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.

The dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from the broccoli. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, as it uses everyday ingredients to create a comforting meal that’s both light and filling.

What makes this recipe stand out is its perfect balance of fresh and bold flavors. The broccoli is not just a side or garnish; it’s cooked to perfection and blended into a sauce that brings out its natural sweetness. Paired with pasta, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of chili, it results in an unexpected, yet extremely tasty combination that appeals to both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Ingredients Needed

• 200g (7 oz) of pasta (choose your favorite, like spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
• 1 medium-sized head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• A pinch of chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 50g (1/2 cup) of Parmesan cheese, grated (or any hard cheese)
• A squeeze of lemon juice for freshness
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A handful of fresh herbs (like parsley or basil), for garnish (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan for cooking garlic and making the sauce
• Colander for draining pasta
• Blender or food processor to blend the broccoli into a creamy sauce
• Grater for cheese (unless pre-grated cheese is used)
• Knife and chopping board for garlic and broccoli prep

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta?

1. Boil The Pasta

   • Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, ensuring it’s al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water for later.

2. Cook The Broccoli

   • In the same pot, bring another pot of water to boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 3-5 minutes until they’re tender but still vibrant green. Drain, reserving a bit of the water, and set the broccoli aside.

3. Make The Broccoli Sauce

   • In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If you like a little spice, sprinkle in some chili flakes and stir them around.
   • Now, add the cooked broccoli to the pan. You can either blend the broccoli with a little pasta water to make it creamy or use a hand blender directly in the pan. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water until you reach a creamy, sauce-like consistency.

4. Combine The Pasta And Sauce

   • Add the cooked pasta into the pan with the broccoli sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce is too dry, you can add more pasta water until it’s the perfect creamy texture.

5. Finish And Serve

   • Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
   • Plate the pasta, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, and serve immediately while it’s hot.

Expert Tips

• Blending Tip: To ensure the sauce is super smooth and velvety, use a high-speed blender or food processor. For an extra creamy texture, you can add a spoonful of mascarpone or cream cheese when blending the broccoli.
• Pasta Choice: Choose a pasta shape that can hold onto the creamy broccoli sauce, like penne or orecchiette. This will make each bite more flavorful.
• Make It Vegan: For a vegan version, swap the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free sauce.
• Herbs and Seasoning: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley work beautifully with this dish, adding a burst of color and fresh flavor. A bit of zest from lemon or orange can also bring a fresh twist to the dish.
• Add Protein: If you’re craving more protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some sautéed mushrooms to the dish for extra substance.

Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta is a perfect balance of simple, healthy ingredients and rich flavors, making it an ideal meal for both busy weeknights and weekend get-togethers. The creamy broccoli sauce elevates the pasta and turns it into something special while still being incredibly easy to prepare.

With its versatility, this dish can be customized with various ingredients to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or what’s available in your pantry. Whether you’re feeding a family, impressing guests, or enjoying a quiet meal by yourself, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta

Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta is a wonderfully simple yet delicious dish, packed with nutrition and flavor. However, this recipe is also incredibly versatile, allowing for several creative variations based on your preferences or what ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to elevate or change up your broccoli pasta:

1. Add Protein

   • Chicken: Grilled or pan-seared chicken breast adds a lean protein boost to the dish. Simply season the chicken with a bit of salt, pepper, and herbs (like thyme or rosemary), then slice it and top your pasta.
   • Bacon or Pancetta: For a savory touch, crispy bacon or pancetta pairs beautifully with the broccoli’s earthy flavor. You can fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble it over the pasta.
   • Tofu or Tempeh: For a vegetarian protein option, cubed and pan-fried tofu or tempeh provides a hearty addition to the dish.

2. Change The Sauce

   • Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Instead of the usual olive oil and garlic, create a creamy sauce using heavy cream or a non-dairy alternative (like oat cream). Stir in some grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
   • Lemon and Ricotta: For a tangy twist, make a simple lemon ricotta sauce. Mix ricotta cheese with lemon zest, fresh juice, a bit of olive oil, and salt for a refreshing variation.
   • Pesto: Transform the pasta by swapping the olive oil with homemade or store-bought pesto. The fresh basil and garlic flavors will complement the broccoli in a delightful way.

3. Switch The Pasta Shape

   • Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: For a healthier or gluten-free version, use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta like rice or chickpea pasta. This can add a nutty flavor and additional fiber to the dish.
   • Fresh Pasta: If you have time, fresh pasta, such as pappardelle or tagliatelle, can elevate the dish with a delicate texture that pairs beautifully with the broccoli and sauce.

4. Additional Vegetables

   • Caramelized Onions: Sweet caramelized onions can add depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness, balancing the bitterness of the broccoli.
   • Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can bring an earthy richness to the pasta, enhancing the overall umami experience.
   • Cherry Tomatoes: Roasted or sautéed cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness and color to the dish.

5. Spicy Kick

   • Red Pepper Flakes: Add some heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sprinkle them into the pan as you cook the garlic and olive oil.
   • Chili Peppers: For those who love a good spice, fresh or dried chili peppers can be sliced and tossed into the pasta.

By experimenting with these variations, you can transform Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta into countless different meals, keeping things fresh and exciting!

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

If you’ve made a batch of Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta and want to store leftovers for later, follow these tips to keep it tasting as delicious as the day you made it:

1. Cool It Quickly: Allow the pasta to cool down at room temperature before storing it. It’s crucial to avoid leaving hot food in a closed container, as this can cause bacteria to develop. Ideally, let the pasta rest for no more than two hours at room temperature.
2. Use Airtight Containers: Store your leftover pasta in airtight containers. This will help prevent air exposure and keep the pasta from drying out or absorbing other smells in your fridge. Glass containers are a great option as they do not absorb odors and are easy to clean.
3. Separate the Sauce: If possible, store the sauce and the pasta separately. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming too soggy. If this isn’t practical, try tossing the pasta with a little extra olive oil before storing it, which can help it retain moisture.
4. Storage Duration: Leftover broccoli pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
5. Freezing Leftovers: To freeze, place the pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top to allow the contents to expand as they freeze. Label the container with the date so you know when it was stored. Frozen pasta can last up to 3 months, though it’s best enjoyed within 1-2 months for optimal flavor.
6. Reheating: When reheating, try to warm the pasta gently to avoid overcooking it. You can reheat it on the stove with a bit of extra olive oil or a splash of water to revive the sauce. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

What Goes Well With Broccoli Pasta?

While broccoli pasta is satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some ideas that complement the fresh and savory flavors of broccoli pasta:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic companion to any pasta dish, garlic bread brings a crispy, buttery element that pairs perfectly with the fresh garlic in the pasta. You can also make a lighter version using whole-grain bread and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing side salad adds a contrast of texture and flavor. Consider a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which will complement the earthiness of the broccoli while adding a zesty brightness to the meal. You could also opt for a classic Caesar salad for a creamy and crunchy sidekick.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Pair your pasta with roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Their sweetness and caramelized edges bring a satisfying contrast to the savory pasta.
4. Cheese: A sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano adds richness and a touch of salty depth to the broccoli pasta. Alternatively, a dollop of burrata can provide creaminess.
5. Wine: To complete your meal, a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with broccoli pasta. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with lemon can be a refreshing choice.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta is a perfect example of simple, wholesome cooking that can be adapted in numerous ways to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re adding protein, experimenting with sauces, or pairing it with fresh sides, this dish remains versatile and satisfying.

Storing leftovers properly ensures that the flavors last, and with a little creativity, you can enjoy different variations of this recipe all week long. With its nourishing ingredients and endless customization options, broccoli pasta is a meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table!.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta Recipe?

The main ingredients typically include pasta (like fusilli or penne), fresh broccoli, garlic, olive oil, anchovy fillets (optional but recommended), chili flakes, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and sometimes fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta Vegetarian?

The base recipe includes anchovies, which are not vegetarian. However, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the anchovies or replacing them with capers or olives for a similar salty, umami flavor.

How Does Jamie Oliver Cook The Broccoli In This Pasta Dish?

Jamie boils the broccoli in the same water used for cooking the pasta. This not only softens the broccoli but also allows it to be mashed slightly and mixed into the sauce for a creamy texture without adding dairy.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead Of Fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used as a convenient substitute. Just add it to the pasta water a few minutes before the pasta is done cooking, and then proceed as you would with fresh broccoli.

What Type Of Pasta Works Best For This Recipe?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or orecchiette are ideal because they hold the sauce well. Jamie often uses whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.

How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta?

The recipe takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and nutritious midweek meal.

What’s The Purpose Of Anchovies In This Recipe?

Anchovies dissolve into the olive oil when cooked and add a rich, savory depth of flavor without tasting overtly “fishy”. They’re a classic Italian ingredient used to enhance sauces and vegetables.

Can I Make This Pasta Gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Is There A Dairy-free Version Of Jamie Oliver’s Broccoli Pasta?

Yes, you can make it dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy, nutty flavor.

What Are Some Good Side Dishes To Serve With Broccoli Pasta?

Great accompaniments include a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon also pairs nicely with the dish.