Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the crispy texture of broccoli with the aromatic richness of garlic, all served over a bed of tender pasta. This recipe is simple, yet packed with flavors that can elevate your weeknight dinner to something special. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, using fresh ingredients like broccoli, garlic, and pasta to create a balanced, satisfying meal.

Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option, want to add more greens to your diet, or simply crave something light yet filling, this stir-fry is the perfect solution. The garlic-infused sauce enhances the natural flavors of the broccoli, while the pasta adds substance, making it a complete and hearty meal. The best part? It’s easy to prepare, and cleanup is a breeze since everything comes together in one pan.

This dish is also highly customizable—add some protein like chicken or shrimp, or throw in other vegetables to make it your own. No matter how you adjust it, this Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for a quick and healthy dinner.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta

• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber and vitamins from the broccoli and a satisfying serving of carbohydrates from the pasta, this dish provides a well-rounded meal that is light but filling.
• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy nights when you want something fast but delicious. No complicated steps or long prep times—just simple ingredients that taste amazing together.
• Flavorful: The garlic and soy sauce infuse the dish with rich umami flavor, perfectly complementing the crispy, bright broccoli and the comforting pasta. The combination of these ingredients results in a dish that’s flavorful without being heavy.
• Customizable: This is an extremely flexible recipe. Feel free to swap out the pasta for a gluten-free option, add protein like chicken or tofu, or incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything is cooked in one pan, which means less hassle and fewer dishes to clean. The pasta cooks right alongside the vegetables, absorbing all the savory flavors from the garlic and sauce.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the portion size and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 10-12g
• Carbohydrates: 50-55g
• Protein: 10-12g
• Fiber: 6-8g
• Sugar: 5-7g

Ingredients

For the Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine work well)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for an Asian twist)
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Special Equipment

For making Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth and efficient:

1. Large Skillet or Wok: A wide, deep skillet or wok is ideal for stir-frying the broccoli and mixing everything together. A wok works particularly well as it allows the heat to distribute evenly, but any large skillet will do the job.
2. Chef’s Knife: A sharp chef’s knife is important for quickly chopping the broccoli into florets and mincing the garlic and ginger.
3. Tongs or Pasta Spoon: When mixing the pasta with the stir-fried broccoli and sauce, tongs or a pasta spoon will help toss everything together without breaking the pasta.
4. Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are key for achieving the right balance of flavors in the sauce, so ensure you have your measuring spoons and cups ready.
5. Colander: A colander is necessary to drain the pasta once it’s cooked. You can also use it to rinse the broccoli if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Broccoli

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the olive oil and sesame oil (if using). Once the oils are hot, add the broccoli florets and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The broccoli should become slightly tender and start to develop a bit of crispness on the edges. If using frozen broccoli, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

3. Add Garlic and Ginger

Once the broccoli is tender, add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) to the skillet. Stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. The ginger will add a nice kick and freshness to the dish.

4. Prepare the Sauce

While the broccoli is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking by adding more honey or vinegar, depending on your preference.

5. Combine the Pasta and Broccoli

Once the garlic and ginger are fragrant, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the sauce over the top and toss everything together using tongs or a pasta spoon. Add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to help create a silky sauce that coats the pasta and broccoli evenly. Stir well to ensure that the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once everything is well combined and heated through, transfer the Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta to serving plates. Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh parsley or cilantro, and additional red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: You want the broccoli to be slightly tender but still have some crunch. Overcooking it can result in mushy broccoli, which won’t provide the same texture contrast in the dish.
• Use Al Dente Pasta: The pasta should be cooked al dente to ensure it has a good bite. It will also hold up better when combined with the broccoli and sauce.
• Customize the Sauce: The sauce for this stir-fry is simple, but feel free to experiment with additional flavors. You can add a splash of lime juice, a spoonful of peanut butter for richness, or a dash of fish sauce for extra umami.
• Add Protein: If you want to turn this into a more substantial meal, add a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Simply cook the protein separately and toss it in with the pasta and broccoli at the end.
• Make It Vegan: To make the dish vegan, use a plant-based pasta and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free if necessary. You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup.

Variations of Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms for added color and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so that all the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
• Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Shrimp: For a protein-packed version, stir in cooked shrimp toward the end of the cooking process. The shrimp will absorb the flavors of the sauce, making the dish even more satisfying.
• Spicy Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry: If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chopped fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry. This will give the dish an extra kick of spice.
• Peanut Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry: Add a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy, nutty version of this stir-fry. It will add richness and a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the garlic and soy sauce.

Storage and Shelf Life

This Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. When reheating, you can add a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.

For longer storage, this dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little extra liquid to prevent it from drying out during the reheating process.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta

While Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta is a satisfying standalone dish, you can serve it with some simple sides to complete the meal:

• Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery garlic bread would be perfect for mopping up any extra sauce left on your plate.
• Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil will complement the flavors of the stir-fry and provide a crisp contrast.
• Steamed Dumplings: Serve this dish alongside steamed vegetable or pork dumplings for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
• Simple Side Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the stir-fry.

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Conclusion

Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta is an easy, flavorful, and nutritious dish that comes together in no time. With its bold garlic flavor, tender broccoli, and comforting pasta, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option. Whether you keep it vegetarian or add protein, it’s a versatile recipe that can be tailored to your taste. The best part? Everything is cooked in one pan, making it a fuss-free meal that will leave you satisfied without the hassle of excessive cleanup. Give this recipe a try, and it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!