Description
A healthy and delicious option, Broccoli Pasta combines tender pasta with sautéed broccoli, garlic, and olive oil. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish is a light yet flavorful way to enjoy a veggie-packed meal.
Ingredients
For the Broccoli Pasta:
- 8 oz (about 225g) pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
- Optional: ¼ cup pine nuts or toasted almonds for crunch
Instructions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes.
When there are about 3 minutes left for the pasta to cook, add the broccoli florets directly to the pot with the pasta. This will allow the broccoli to become tender without overcooking. Once the pasta and broccoli are done, drain them in a colander, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. If you’re using red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, add them now and sauté for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.
The garlic should turn a light golden color—be cautious not to burn it, as burnt garlic can become bitter.
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Toss the mixture together using tongs or a pasta fork, ensuring that the pasta and broccoli are evenly coated in the garlicky oil. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss to combine. The cheese will melt into the warm pasta and broccoli, creating a deliciously creamy coating. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. For added brightness, you can squeeze a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.
Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re using toasted pine nuts or almonds, sprinkle them on top for an extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 15-18g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Protein: 12g