Description
Broccoli Pasta is a quick, healthy, and versatile meal combining tender pasta with vibrant, nutrient-packed broccoli, garlic, and Parmesan, making it perfect for busy weeknights or wholesome gatherings. This recipe is easy to customize and packed with fresh, hearty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining — this will be handy later for the sauce.
- Cook the Broccoli: While the pasta cooks, steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3-5 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender but still crisp. This keeps their vibrant color and natural crunch.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will add bitterness.
- Combine and Toss: Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet with garlic, then toss in the drained pasta. Stir everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Finish with Flavor: Remove from heat and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the pasta. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for better texture and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Do not overcook broccoli; keep it slightly firm for texture.
- Gently toast garlic and add lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- Choose smaller pasta shapes like penne or fusilli to trap broccoli and sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: broccoli pasta, healthy dinner, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy weeknight meal, nutritious pasta, pasta with vegetables
