Broccoli and Pasta
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and nutritious Broccoli and Pasta recipe—a quick and flavorful dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes! Featuring al dente pasta tossed with tender broccoli florets, fragrant garlic, and a hint of zesty lemon, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and bold flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil creates a luscious coating, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds creamy, savory depth. For an extra kick, sprinkle in red chili flakes to make it irresistibly spicy. This one-pan wonder is not only easy to prepare, but also packed with wholesome ingredients—making it an ideal choice for busy families or anyone craving a satisfying vegetarian meal. Perfectly served on its own or alongside crusty bread, this Broccoli and Pasta recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams Pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)
- 300 grams Broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons Red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper, freshly ground
- 120 milliliters Pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
About 4 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta to blanch them.
Reserve 120 milliliters (about 1/2 cup) of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
If using, add the red chili flakes and stir for 30 seconds to release their flavor.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to combine.
Add the reserved pasta water and lemon zest, stirring to create a light sauce. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, saving a little for garnish if desired.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
284 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.6 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.0 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 13 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 722 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.7 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.9 g | ||
| Protein | 12.3 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 184 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 72 mg | 2% | |
*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.
