This garlic parmesan cavatappi with broccoli is a quick stovetop side dish made with olive oil, fresh garlic, tender broccoli, and cavatappi pasta. Tossed with grated parmesan and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a simple but flavorful way to enjoy a veggie-packed pasta dish.
Bring a large stock pot of water to a boil, leaving about 2 inches from the top.
Add broccoli and cook for 5 minutes. Water may stop boiling, and that's okay. Set the timer when you place the broccoli into the rapidly boiling water then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Return water to a boil if needed, then add cavatappi pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until fragrant.
Add the cooked broccoli and chicken broth to the skillet. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is fork tender. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Add the drained cavatappi to the skillet and stir everything together.
Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and mix well. Serve immediately with extra parmesan on top.
Notes
Swap cavatappi for cavatelli or rotini if needed
For more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes before serving
Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
You can also boil pasta and broccoli in the broth over water for extra flavor