Cooking with Broccoli - Cooking Light

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Learn to Love Broccoli

Although notably one of the least favorable members of the vegetable family, broccoli is a great source of nutrition. Whether sautéed or used in a spicy rice bowl, these recipes might just create a broccoli-lover out of everyone.

A flavor-packed solution for your busy weeknights, Cheesy Penne with Broccoli is a kid-pleasing dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes.

View Recipe: Cheesy Penne with Broccoli

Photo: Johnny Autry

Broccoli Carpaccio with Broccoli Stalk Salad

This dish makes great use of broccoli stalks in a riff on carpaccio, which is traditionally a dish of thinly sliced raw meat. This standout salad will win over the entire family. You can use a mandoline to make easy work of slicing the broccoli thinly and evenly.

View Recipe: Broccoli Carpaccio with Broccoli Stalk Salad

Photo: Johnny Autry

Browned Butter Gnocchi with Broccoli and Nuts

Kids like the chewy gnocchi, sweet broccoli, and crunchy nuts in this easy-to-make pasta dish. Look for shelf-stable packaged gnocchi with the dried pasta, and to cut costs, swap in chopped almonds or pecans for pine nuts.

View Recipe: Browned Butter Gnocchi with Broccoli and Nuts

Photo: Johnny Autry

Cheddar-Beer Sauce Broccoli

This quick and easy side dish combines broccoli and cheddar cheese for a delicious mixture that kids will want to devour.

View Recipe: Cheddar-Beer Sauce Broccoli

Photo: Johnny Autry

Beef and Broccoli Bowl

This Asian-inspired dish has a hearty sauce that coats the rice, meat, and vegetables perfectly.

View Recipe: Beef and Broccoli Bowl

Photo: Johnny Autry

Spicy Chile and Garlic Broccoli

Crushed red pepper brings the heat in this Spicy Chile and Garlic Broccoli recipe. Serve this healthy side with lean beef or chicken for a well-rounded and delicious meal.

View Recipe: Spicy Chile and Garlic Broccoli

Photo: Johnny Autry

Bacon and Broccoli Mac and Cheese

This one-dish meal is full of flavor and will win over adults and children alike.

View Recipe: Bacon and Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Photo: José Picayo

Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bowl

The whole family will love this cheesy chicken and broccoli rice dish. Don't leave out the almonds–they add flavor and crunch to this one-dish meal. Serve with cremini mushrooms sautéed in butter and white wine and seasoned with fresh thyme.

View Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bowl

Photo: Johnny Autry

Broccoli and Rice Casseroles

Traditionally a holiday, family-style dish, these individual casseroles are so delicious and easy to make that your family will be asking for them year-round.

View Recipe: Broccoli and Rice Casseroles

Photo: Johnny Autry

Lemon-Parmesan Broccoli

Simple yet sophisticated, this broccoli side goes great with a variety of meats and other vegetables.

View Recipe: Lemon-Parmesan Broccoli

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Roasted Shrimp and Broccoli

Put dinner on the table fast by simply roasting shrimp and broccoli together for a quick, flavorful meal.

View Recipe: Roasted Shrimp and Broccoli

Photo: Johnny Autry

Dijon, Thyme, and Pine Nut Broccoli

Tangy dijon mustard, fresh thyme, pine nuts, and lemon transform boring broccoli in this recipe that will satisfy even picky eaters.

View Recipe: Dijon, Thyme, and Pine Nut Broccoli

Photo: Johnny Autry

Broccoli Slaw with Oranges and Crunchy Noodles

Although this recipe yields a large amount, leftovers keep well for a couple of days; top with noodles just before serving so they stay crisp.

View Recipe: Broccoli Slaw with Oranges and Crunchy Noodles

Photo: Randy Mayor

Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli and Bell Peppers

Though this Asian stir-fry requires a bit of time and preparation, it will mix up your traditional weeknight dishes in a way your family will definitely enjoy.

View Recipe: Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli and Bell Peppers

Photo: Randy Mayor

Broccoli and Chicken Noodle Soup

Count on having dinner on the table in about 40 minutes, and serve this soup the moment it's done for the best results. In fact, if you wait, you'll find it gets thicker with time. If you have leftovers, you will want to thin the soup with a little chicken broth or milk to the desired consistency.

View Recipe: Broccoli and Chicken Noodle Soup

Photo: Randy Mayor

Broccoli Potato Gratin

A classic French dish, potato gratin combines with the American favorite, broccoli-cheese casserole, for a tasty twist on both. Make sure all the potato slices are about the same thickness so they cook evenly.

View Recipe: Broccoli Potato Gratin

Photo: Randy Mayor

Broccoli and Chicken Stir-Fried Rice

Chicken and rice dishes are common family meals. This one gives new life to leftover grilled chicken. Slightly browning the broccoli deepens the taste of the dish.

View Recipe: Broccoli and Chicken Stir-Fried Rice

Photo: Randy Mayor

Broccoli and Three-Cheese Casserole

Broccoli remains crisp-tender in this recipe, though you can substitute any leftover cooked vegetables. Assemble the casserole the night before. Cover, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.

View Recipe: Broccoli and Three-Cheese Casserole

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Garden-Style Lasagna

Vegetable lasagna is a crowd-pleaser and a classic make-ahead dish. You can use precut onions, matchstick-cut carrots, and broccoli, in addition to precooked noodles, to speed up preparation.

View Recipe: Garden-Style Lasagna

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

For crisper broccoli, remove it from the boiling water after three minutes. Serve with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

View Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Photo: Randy Mayor

Shrimp Salad with White Beans, Broccoli, and Toasted Garlic

Crisp Italian bread rounds out the menu with this shrimp salad. Using bagged broccoli florets cuts several minutes of preparation time.

View Recipe: Shrimp Salad with White Beans, Broccoli, and Toasted Garlic

Photo: Melissa Springer

Swiss Broccoli Casserole

A sprinkling of breadcrumbs makes for a pleasant little crunch on this delicious, comforting casserole dish.

View Recipe: Swiss Broccoli Casserole

Photo: Randy Mayor

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

Processed cheese melts beautifully, giving this 30-minute broccoli and cheese soup a smooth texture and mild flavor.

View Recipe: Broccoli and Cheese Soup

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Broccoli and Apple Salad

Sweet, crunchy apple and broccoli create a refreshing, light side dish. Prepare this salad up to eight hours in advance for best flavor and texture.

View Recipe: Broccoli and Apple Salad

Photo: Randy Mayor

Curried Couscous with Broccoli and Feta

Using bagged broccoli florets and preshredded carrots all but eliminates the prep with this vegetarian entrée. If you want to add meat, use chopped chicken or thin strips of flank steak.

View Recipe: Curried Couscous with Broccoli and Feta

Photo: Randy Mayor

Broccoli with Red Pepper Flakes and Toasted Garlic

The bold, straightforward flavors of garlic and crushed red pepper make this classic Mediterranean broccoli dish appealing.

View Recipe: Broccoli with Red Pepper Flakes and Toasted Garlic

Photo: Beau Gustafson

Shrimp, Broccoli, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes with Pasta

This top-rated shrimp-and-broccoli pasta recipe is super simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Dress up the meal with a glass of light pinot noir.

View Recipe: Shrimp, Broccoli, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes with Pasta

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Linguine with White Clam and Broccoli Sauce

In this linguine dish, sliced garlic gives off a mellower flavor and becomes part of the terrific texture. Unlike the light amount of sauce served with most pastas, when combining clam sauce and linguine, there should be a little extra broth.

View Recipe: Linguine with White Clam and Broccoli Sauce

Photo: Randy Mayor

Buddha’s Delight with Tofu, Broccoli, and Water Chestnuts

This simple version of a popular Chinese takeout dish will work with just about any variety of vegetables.

View Recipe: Buddha’s Delight with Tofu, Broccoli, and Water Chestnuts

Photo: Randy Mayor

Broccoli-Tofu Stir-Fry

This simple meatless stir-fry of broccoli and tofu has a subtle yet addictive sauce, To cut preparation time, use precut broccoli florets.

View Recipe: Broccoli-Tofu Stir-Fry

Photo: John Autry

Creamy Linguine with Shrimp and Veggies

Broccoli florets add texture to this creamy pasta dish. If you like, add a dash of crushed red pepper with the shrimp. When shopping for shellfish, look for the Marine Stewardship Council stamp to ensure you’re making a sustainable choice.

View Recipe: Creamy Linguine with Shrimp and Veggies