This simple ziti recipe brings together broccoli, olive oil, garlic and the perfect spice mix for a wonderful flavor perfect for any time of year. This recipe can be served as a side or light main dish.
This recipe is super easy to make and produces a wonderful flavor that’s great as a main dish or simple pasta side dish. Ziti is the perfect type of pasta as it holds all those wonderful flavors in our simple olive oil and garlic sauce.
Then you get the fresh taste of broccoli with a subtle kick from red pepper flakes. It’s a favorite among my family.
Don’t forget to save or pin this recipe so you can make it again!
Ziti’s large hallow center is perfect for using in recipes with sauces. It holds your sauce and brings all your different flavors into every bite.
Ziti Tip
Save this recipe for later: Lasagna using cottage cheese
How to Make Homemade Ziti and Broccoli without Chicken
This is a great last minute meal. But it’s not just quick and easy to make, it’s bursting with flavor the entire family will enjoy. The sauce is composed of olive oil, garlic, and spices that bring it all together.
Prep time is right around eighteen to twenty minutes and all you need is a saucepan and skillet. It yields enough pasta for a family of four. I never have leftovers, as it’s completely gobbled up every time I serve it.
I usually make some homemade garlic bread, and everyone’s belly’s are full with smiles on their faces.
Another tasty dinner option: Baked ziti parmesan with chicken
Ingredients
I love how simple this recipe is to make, and on top of that, it only calls for a handful of common ingredients. It’s one of my favorite frugal family meals.
Ingredient List
- Ziti
- Broccoli
- Olive Oil
- Garlic
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parmesan Cheese
Ziti: Prepare your ziti al dente according to box instructions. You will want to use a one pound box.
Broccoli: I usually use frozen broccoli for this recipe, but fresh is absolutely okay to use. Your broccoli will be boiled during the last five minutes of cooking your ziti.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin or virgin olive oil works. It will be heated with your garlic, which really brings the flavor to your ziti.
Garlic: You will want to mince your garlic (I usually use the pre-minced garlic that comes in the little glass jars). Heat your garlic until it just starts to turn golden.
Spices: All you need is a pinch each of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. It provides the perfect level of kick and flavor for our ziti.
Parmesan Cheese: I usually use the canister of grated parmesan, but grating some fresh parmesan cheese adds a much better flavor. Top your ziti with your cheese just before serving.
Try this recipe: No meat baked ziti
Easy Instructions
Just because a recipe is quick to make doesn’t mean it can’t provide a ton of wonderful flavor. That’s what keeps this recipe in my regular family dinner rotation.
It’s such a simple pasta dish, I have a feeling you’re going to love it too.
Step 1: Prepare your ziti el dente.
Step 2: Add broccoli to boiling water during last five minutes of your ziti cook time.
Step 3: Drain and set aside.
Step 4: In skillet, add olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir over medium low heat until garlic just starts to turn golden.
Note: Do not over cook your garlic!
Step 5: Add pasta and broccoli to garlic and toss until well combined.
Step 6: Top with desired amount of parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Simple Broccoli Ziti
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ziti el dente
- 4 Cups Broccoli broke into pieces
- 1 Cup Olive Oil
- 2 Tbs Minced Garlic
- 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 pinch Pepper
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Prepare your ziti el dente.
- Add broccoli to boiling water during last five minutes of your ziti cook time.
- Drain and set aside.
- In skillet, add olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir over medium low heat until garlic just starts to turn golden.
- Note: Do not over cook your garlic!
- Add pasta and broccoli to garlic and toss until well combined.
- Top with desired amount of parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Broccoli Ziti Recipe Notes
- Be sure not to overcook your garlic. Only heat it until it just starts to turn golden in color.
- You can add other veggies, carrots and cauliflower are my favorites. It’s a great way to add more veggies to your meal. Add any other veggies to the boiling water when your broccoli goes in.
- Add parmesan cheese to taste just before serving.