While broccoli is not always the main attraction on a plate, at Olive Garden, it is very important in balancing all those rich and heavy pasta dishes, and creamy sauces. The broccoli is fresh, bright, and cooked just right, tender, but not soggy and also nicely seasoned which elevates it.
The best part about this dish is how easy it is! You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets or have to run to the store for any crazy ingredients. Believe it or not, chefs at Olive Garden have even stated that broccoli is one of the most basic sides to prepare in the kitchen, whether you steam it on the stove in a pot or zap it on high for a few minutes with some seasonings in the microwave.
If you have been wondering how to make broccoli taste just as fresh and delicious as in the restaurant, this Olive Garden Broccoli Recipe is perfect!
We have even more delectable recipes on the site that are sure to be a hit with your family! Olive Garden Grilled Chicken along with this broccoli, or for a cheesy tomato version, you’ll love my Olive Garden Five Cheese Marinara Recipe.
Why You’ll Love Olive Garden Broccoli
To start, this is a fast recipe. With about 10 minutes of active cooking time, you can make a healthy side dish that goes with nearly any main course.
Second, broccoli is healthy without being boring. This vibrant vegetable includes loads of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. A drizzle of olive oil, parmesan, and garlic brings out its natural flavor instead of masking it.
Finally, serving broccoli is versatile. You can enjoy it next to pasta, chicken, seafood, or as a light snack. This recipe is fool-proof whether you microwave it or steam broccoli like grandma did.
Ingredients Required for Olive Garden Broccoli Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Olive Garden Broccoli Recipe
- 1 large broccoli crown (fresh, not frozen)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon parmesan garlic seasoning (or 1 clove garlic + 2 tbsp parmesan, grated)
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium pot with lid (for stovetop steaming) OR microwave-safe bowl with cover
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Serving plate
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5–8 minutes
How To Make Olive Garden Broccoli
Just follow these easy steps to make your own Olive Garden Broccoli Recipeat home
1. Prepare the Broccoli
Be sure to wash the broccoli crown thoroughly under cold water. If you want, cut off the stem but don’t throw it away! You can peel and slice it to use in soups or stir fries. Next, you will want to cut the broccoli into florets that are similar in size to all cook at the same rate.
2. Stovetop Steaming Option
You want to pour about a ½ inch of water into a pot, and then place the broccoli inside the pot. Place the lid on and bring the water to a boil on high heat. Once the water is boiling, turn the heat to medium-high, and steam the broccoli for about 3 minutes.
3. Let it Rest
Turn off the heat, but leave the lid on the pot and let the broccoli rest for 5 minutes, this will allow the broccoli to be tender on the outside, and slightly firm on the inside, just like Olive Garden!
4. Your Choice of Microwave Cooking
Place broccoli in a microwave safe container, add a few lashing of olive oil to the broccoli and sprinkle it with parmesan garlic seasoning (or a combination of garlic powder and grated parmesan). Cover container and put it in microwave for 2-3 minutes until broccoli is bright green and a little tender.
5. Final Seasoning
After cooking you will simply want to toss the broccoli gently with a little more olive oil if desired. Then add a little more parmesan cheese and a touch of some parsley at the end to keep it fresh and flavorful.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Now that your broccoli is ready to serve, just like the Olive Garden, transfer it to a serving plate. This warm side dish can be served alongside pasta, chicken or seafood; whatever meal you decide it is a great addition!
How to Store Olive Garden Broccoli Properly?
To preserve leftover broccoli, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for no longer than 3 days. When you are ready to eat it, reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water (to keep it from drying out), or, if desired, reheat on the stovetop using steam.
What to Pair and Serve with Olive Garden Broccoli
1. With Grilled Chicken
One of our favorite pairings is with juicy chicken. When we tried this alongside the Olive Garden Grilled Chicken , the smoky, tender chicken balanced beautifully with the light, garlicky broccoli. It’s a simple but satisfying dinner.
2. Over Creamy Alfredo Pasta
Broccoli and Alfredo are a match made in heaven. Toss the broccoli with fettuccine Alfredo, and you’ll have a classic combination that feels indulgent yet balanced.
3. Beside Braised Beef and Tortellini
The richness of the Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortellini Recipe really needs something fresh to cut through it, and broccoli does the job perfectly. We love adding it to the side-it makes the whole meal feel lighter.
4. With Garlic Breadsticks
Sometimes we just pile it on a plate with Olive Garden-style breadsticks. The warm, garlicky bread and seasoned broccoli pair so well, especially when dipped in Alfredo sauce.
5. As a Pizza Topping
We’ve even tossed this broccoli onto a homemade pizza with mozzarella and parmesan. It gives the pie a fresh, veggie-forward twist.
6. In a Grain Bowl
For a healthier option, we’ve paired this broccoli with quinoa or brown rice, grilled vegetables, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s hearty but still light.
7. Alongside Seafood
When serving grilled salmon or shrimp scampi, this broccoli works wonderfully. The freshness complements the seafood’s richness without overpowering it.
8. With Mashed Potatoes
Another favorite pairing is creamy mashed potatoes. The broccoli’s texture and garlic flavor cut through the buttery potatoes in the best way.
9. In a Wrap or Panini
We’ve added this broccoli to wraps with chicken, cheese, and a bit of pesto. Warm, melty, and flavorful-it’s comfort food at its best.
10. As a Simple Snack
Sometimes, we just enjoy it on its own. With a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan, it makes for a quick, guilt-free snack in the afternoon.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
I made this Olive Garden Broccoli at home last night, and it was delicious! The parmesan garlic made all the difference in the flavor! My kids even wanted seconds, which seldom occurs with veggies. It tasted just like the restaurant but was even fresher.
Tips for This Recipe
1. Wash the broccoli well before cooking.
2. Cut the broccoli into small, even pieces so it cooks the same.
3. Don’t overcook-it tastes best when soft outside but a little firm inside.
4. Use fresh parmesan for better flavor.
5. A drizzle of olive oil makes it shine.
6. Eat it right away while it’s warm.
FAQs on Olive Garden Broccoli Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Olive Garden Broccoli Recipe.
1. Is the broccoli frozen or fresh?
From our kitchen tests, we always use fresh, raw broccoli-never frozen. Using fresh broccoli ensures that crisp-tender texture that Olive Garden is known for.
2. Should I steam it on the stove or microwave it?
We’ve done both. The stovetop steaming method gives you more control over doneness, while the microwave method is faster and simpler. Olive Garden’s version often uses a microwave with seasoned oil.
3. What is “seasoned oil,” and how do I make it?
In our experiments, “seasoned oil” typically means extra virgin olive oil mixed with garlic, herbs, and possibly red pepper. That oil flavors the broccoli deeply when heated.
4. How long should I cook the broccoli?
If steaming on the stove, bring water to a boil, steam for about 3 minutes, then let it rest covered for around 5 minutes. In the microwave, 1 minute 45 seconds to about 3 minutes usually does the trick, depending on your microwave’s power.
5. Why does Olive Garden sprinkle “parm/parsley seasoning”?
We discovered that after cooking, Olive Garden often sprinkles a blend of parmesan cheese and parsley (or herb blend) over the hot broccoli for extra flavor.
6. Can I add red pepper or garlic for a spicier kick?
Yes, absolutely. We’ve tried a pinch of red pepper flakes along with garlic, and it gives a nice subtle heat without overpowering the broccoli.
7. Why did my broccoli get soggy or mushy?
That typically happens when you overcook it-either by steaming too long, using too much water, or microwaving on too high a power setting. Limiting the cooking time and letting it rest covered helps preserve texture.
8. What if my microwave power is low or high?
High-power microwaves may overcook quickly, so reduce the time by 15–30 seconds. If your microwave is weaker, you might need an extra 30 seconds. Always stop early and test, since broccoli continues cooking a bit while resting.
9. Can I store leftovers and reheat them?
Yes. From what we’ve tried, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or steam; adding a touch of water or oil helps restore moisture.
10. What seasonings make it “Olive Garden style”?
From our experiments, the signature flavor comes from garlic, herbs, olive oil, and a sprinkle of parmesan/parsley mix (often marketed as “parmesan garlic seasoning”).
This Olive Garden Broccoli Recipe proves that simple really can be delicious. With just a few everyday ingredients-olive oil, garlic, and parmesan-you can create a side dish that feels restaurant-quality but takes only minutes to make at home. The best part is how flexible it is; you can keep it light and clean or add extra seasoning for a bolder flavor.
If you’re looking for an easy, healthy, and flavorful side that pairs beautifully with your favorite Italian meals, this broccoli recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat. Give it a try tonight, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your family’s go-to veggie side!
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