Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant and wholesome Broccoli Pasta in a Fresh Tomato Sauce. This recipe combines tender pasta and perfectly steamed broccoli with a rich, homemade tomato sauce made from juicy, finely diced fresh tomatoes, savory garlic, olive oil, and a touch of tomato paste for depth. A hint of red pepper flakes adds optional heat, while fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese provide the perfect finishing touches. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dish is a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal thatβs perfect for busy evenings. Serve it as a vegetarian main course, or pair it with a crisp side salad for a full, flavor-packed feast. Perfect for lovers of healthy pasta recipes and fresh vegetable dishes!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, steam the broccoli florets until tender (about 4-5 minutes). Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sautΓ© for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, breaking them down slightly with a wooden spoon.
Add the tomato paste, water, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss gently to coat it in the tomato sauce. Simmer for 2 more minutes.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Toss everything together until well combined.
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Calories |
1591 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 79.6 g | 102% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.4 g | 142% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 95 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 1911 mg | 83% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 147.8 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.5 g | 66% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.9 g | ||
| Protein | 77.8 g | 156% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1514 mg | 116% | |
| Iron | 8.1 mg | 45% | |
| Potassium | 1833 mg | 39% | |
*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.