Broccoli Pasta
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and flavorful Broccoli Pasta recipe, a deliciously simple dish that's as nutritious as it is satisfying. Perfectly cooked pasta—choose from spaghetti, penne, or your favorite shape—is tossed with tender broccoli florets sautéed in fragrant garlic and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. A light, silky sauce, enhanced by reserved pasta water, ties everything together, while freshly grated Parmesan and a splash of bright lemon juice give the dish a zesty, cheesy finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and wholesome meal is perfect for busy families or effortless entertaining. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress. Keywords: broccoli pasta, easy weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta recipe, quick pasta dish, healthy pasta recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 units garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 cup pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still bright green.
Stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, and sauté for another minute.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the broccoli mixture.
Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
298 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.1 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g | 18% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 684 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.5 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.9 g | ||
| Protein | 12.7 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 168 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 91 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.
