The Best Broccolini Recipes for Fast and Easy Meals

If you’ve ever passed by broccolini at the store thinking it’s just another form of broccoli, it’s time for a second look. Broccolini is a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale, with longer, more tender stems and a subtle, sweet-earthy flavor that sets it apart. It cooks quickly, pairs beautifully with bold seasonings, and as these broccolini recipes demonstrate, it deserves a regular spot in every family’s meal rotation.

What I love most about broccolini is how versatile it is. Sure, it makes a fast and flavorful side dish, but it also shines in main dishes from stir fries and pastas to frittatas and grain bowls. Whether roasted, sautéed, grilled, or air fried, it holds up to high heat and turns sweet and tender with no bitterness. It’s one of those vegetables that feels a bit fancy but requires very little effort.

This collection of broccolini recipes highlights just how many ways you can use this underrated vegetable—from quick weeknight dinners to healthy appetizers and everything in between. If you're new to cooking with broccolini or just looking for fresh inspiration, these ideas will give you plenty of reasons to grab a bunch on your next grocery run. Let’s get into it.

1

Roasted Broccolini with Parmesan-Pine Nut Breadcrumbs

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in broccolini, and this version adds golden, Parm-infused breadcrumbs for a rich, savory crunch. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired side that’s bright, flavorful, and weeknight simple. A go-to recipe that makes broccolini shine.

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2

Broccolini Frittata With Turkey Bacon and Feta

Broccolini adds a fresh, green bite to this protein-packed frittata, made with turkey bacon, feta, and tender sautéed onions. It’s perfect for a healthy breakfast, brunch, or light dinner—and it reheats beautifully. A great way to work more veggies into your day.

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3

Bite On The Side

Creamy Broccolini Slaw

This creamy slaw gives broccolini a fresh spin, combining shredded stalks of broccoli with chopped broccolini and a zippy dressing. It’s a cool, crisp side dish that works well with grilled mains and summer meals. A fun alternative to traditional slaw that adds color and nutrients to your plate.

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4

Beef and Broccolini Stir Fry

This easy stir fry brings together thin-sliced beef, crisp-tender broccolini, and a garlicky soy sauce glaze in under 30 minutes. It’s hearty, satisfying, and ideal for weeknights when you want something quick that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

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5

Cooking With Wine

Spicy Charred Calabrian Chili Broccolini

Broccolini meets bold Italian heat in this spicy, charred dish featuring Calabrian chili paste. A short blanch followed by a quick sauté crisps the florets and cooks the stems to sweet, tender perfection, while a hint of lemon keeps it bright. It’s a striking side dish that works just as well with pasta, fish, or grilled meats.

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6

Nutritious Deliciousness

Sautéed Broccolini with Garlic

Simple and quick, this sautéed broccolini gets a flavor boost from garlic and lemon. It's a fast side dish that’s elegant enough for company but easy enough for weeknights. The broccolini stays crisp-tender and vibrant, making it a healthy go-to that pairs well with just about anything.

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7

Grilled Broccolini with Herbed Yogurt Sauce

Smoky broccolini with just the right amount of char is topped with a bright, herby, yogurt-based sauce for a side dish that is deceptively easy but feels worthy of a special occasion dinner. Perfect for summer!

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8

Elle & Pear

Broccolini Pizza

Pizza might not be the first thing that comes to mind for broccolini, but this recipe is a real revelation. It’s fresh, green, and just different enough to feel special. Whether for pizza night or a casual gathering, it’s a fun way to use broccolini as more than just a side.

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9

Spend With Pennies

Garlic Soy Broccolini

This recipe gives broccolini an Asian spin, keeping it simple and delicious with a quick sauté that highlights the veggie’s natural sweetness and tender texture. Great alongside steak, chicken, or seafood, it’s a crowd-pleasing side that’s ready in minutes.

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10

Avocado Skillet

Harissa Honey Tofu with Broccolini

This sweet-and-spicy tofu dish pairs crispy tofu with sautéed broccolini in a harissa-honey glaze. It’s bold, plant-based, and packed with protein—perfect for a meatless main that doesn’t hold back on flavor. Serve it over rice or grains for a satisfying, balanced meal.

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Have questions about cooking broccolini or tips for substitutions? I’m always happy to help—drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you! And if you have a favorite broccolini recipe of your own, I’d love to hear about it. I’m always looking to try new takes and expand this list with more broccolini-inspired ideas.

Thanks for reading, and I hope this roundup gives you plenty of inspiration to bring more of this underrated veggie to the table.

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