
Gather all ingredients before you start so the pasta and sauce can come together quickly.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. While it heats, cut the broccoli into medium florets.


Add the spaghetti and broccoli to the boiling water. Cook uncovered for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender.

Reserve 1/3 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and broccoli well.

Transfer the cooked broccoli to a cutting board and roughly chop it into smaller pieces so it blends evenly through the pasta.


Return the pot to medium-low heat and add the Alfredo sauce. Warm it for 20 to 30 seconds, then add the spaghetti, chopped broccoli, black pepper, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated, adding more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.



Stir in the red pepper flakes, if using, and toss again until everything is well combined.


Serve warm, with extra black pepper or grated Parmesan if desired.
