Broccoli and Garlic Pasta
Savor the simplicity and flavor of this Broccoli and Garlic Pasta, a quick and wholesome weeknight dinner that combines fresh ingredients with bold, comforting tastes. Tender broccoli florets and perfectly al dente pasta are tossed together in a fragrant olive oil sauce infused with sautéed garlic and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Finished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, this dish strikes the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an ideal vegetarian meal that prioritizes fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients and minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings, this easy broccoli pasta recipe delivers restaurant-worthy flavor from the comfort of your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Broccoli florets
- 12 ounces Pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 0.5 teaspoons Red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 8 cups Water (for boiling)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Meanwhile, steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the thinly sliced garlic to the hot olive oil and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and just golden (do not let it burn).
Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds.
Add the cooked broccoli florets to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic and oil mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to combine well. If the mixture seems dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Season with black pepper and more salt to taste, if needed.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1181 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.4 g | 74% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.1 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3153 mg | 137% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 126.7 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.7 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.8 g | ||
| Protein | 49.4 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 661 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 7.6 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 230 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
