Name: Roasted Broccoli Pasta Salad with Green Peas and Calabrian Chili Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz (dry) Protein Pasta; 16 oz Broccoli Florets (cut into bite size pieces); 1 cup (170g) Frozen Green Peas (microwaved for 2-3 minutes to thaw); 1 ½ Tablespoon Olive Oil; 2 Tablespoons Chopped Calabrian Chili Peppers (or sun-dried tomatoes, optional); 1 cup Low Fat Cottage Cheese; 1 oz Grated Parmesan; 1 oz Fresh Basil; 1 oz Baby Spinach; 1-2 cloves Garlic; ⅓ cup Water

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant and satisfying dish that bursts with textures and flavors, then you have to try this Roasted Broccoli Pasta Salad with Green Peas and Calabrian Chili Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of perfectly roasted broccoli, tender pasta, and sweet green peas, all tied together with a creamy, garlicky sauce that has just the right amount of kick from the Calabrian chili. This recipe feels fresh and indulgent, yet light enough to enjoy any time — perfect for sharing with friends or as a wholesome meal to brighten your day.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a wooden cutting board on a white marbled surface, filled with many small pieces of bright green broccoli. On the right side of the board, there is a knife with a wooden handle, placed horizontally. Below the board, from left to right, there is a clear plastic container with fresh green basil leaves, a white container with a blue lid labeled

Don’t be fooled by its simplicity. Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color that make the dish truly special and memorable.

12 oz dry protein pasta: A hearty pasta that adds substance and a nice bite to the salad.
16 oz broccoli florets: Roasting these brings out a caramelized sweetness and satisfying crunch.
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil: Essential for roasting the broccoli to that perfect golden finish.
1 cup frozen green peas: Adds a pop of vibrant green color and natural sweetness; thawed before mixing.
2 tablespoons chopped Calabrian chili peppers: Brings a smoky, spicy depth that elevates every bite.
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese: The creamy base of the sauce, keeps it light but rich.
1 oz grated Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty finish and melting creaminess on top.
1 oz fresh basil: Infuses herbal freshness that brightens the whole salad.
1 oz baby spinach: Another green boost packed with nutrients and subtle earthiness.
1-2 cloves garlic: Gives the sauce that irresistible aromatic punch.
⅓ cup water: Helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency when blended.

How to Make Roasted Broccoli Pasta Salad with Green Peas and Calabrian Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

The magic begins by blending cottage cheese, fresh basil, spinach, garlic, and water until completely smooth. This creates a velvety sauce that's packed with flavor and nutrients—dairy meets green goodness in the best way possible.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the protein pasta for 9-11 minutes until just al dente. Rinse under cold water to halt cooking and keep the pasta plump and firm, perfect for tossing with the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3: Roast the Broccoli

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the broccoli florets, and stir to coat evenly. Roast for about 8-10 minutes, stirring now and then until the broccoli is beautifully browned and caramelized—this step adds incredible flavor and just the right crunch.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted broccoli, thawed peas, and chopped Calabrian chili peppers. Pour over the creamy sauce and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste and finish by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper. For a fun crunch, add some chopped roasted pistachios if you like.

How to Serve Roasted Broccoli Pasta Salad with Green Peas and Calabrian Chili Recipe

A white bowl filled with a vibrant pasta salad consisting of three main layers: the bottom layer of yellow radiatori pasta with a ridged texture, mixed throughout with green broccoli florets adding a rough and leafy texture, and bright green peas that appear smooth and round scattered evenly. Small pieces of red bell pepper add pops of bright red color across the dish, while crushed nuts sprinkled all over give a crunchy texture. A woman's hand holding wooden utensils is partially visible, stirring the salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a luscious saltiness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Bright basil leaves or a drizzle of extra olive oil can add a fresh, vibrant finish.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad shines beautifully on its own, but pairing it with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad can make for a well-rounded, satisfying meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in a colorful bowl for an eye-catching presentation or layer it in mason jars for picnics or meal prep. Add some toasted nuts or seeds on top for a textured twist that delights the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it even tastier the next day!

Freezing

While the fresh greens and peas might fade a bit in texture, you can freeze the pasta salad sauce separately in small portions and thaw it later to toss with fresh pasta and veggies.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy it warm, gently reheat the salad in a skillet over low heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or olive oil if needed to keep it creamy.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of protein pasta?

Absolutely! Regular pasta works just fine in this salad, though protein pasta adds a bit more nutrition and chew that’s lovely here.

What if I don’t have Calabrian chili peppers?

You can substitute with chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a milder, slightly sweet twist or use a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want to keep the heat.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

Definitely! Swap the cottage cheese and Parmesan for your favorite plant-based alternatives or a creamy nut-based sauce to keep that lush texture.

Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?

Yes! This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours when the flavors meld. Just add any crunchy toppings right before serving to keep them crisp.

How spicy is the salad with Calabrian chili?

The Calabrian chili adds a medium, smoky heat that is flavorful but not overpowering. You can adjust the quantity to your heat preference or omit it altogether for a milder salad.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving this Roasted Broccoli Pasta Salad with Green Peas and Calabrian Chili Recipe a try. It’s that rare dish that manages to be both comforting and fresh, simple yet packed with vibrant flavors. Whether you’re a longtime broccoli lover or just looking to shake up your pasta routine, this salad is sure to become a regular favorite on your table.