Heart-Healthy Pasta with Broccoli
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Heart-Healthy Pasta with Broccoli, a wholesome and flavorful dish that's packed with nutrients and perfect for a balanced lifestyle. Featuring tender whole grain pasta, vibrant broccoli florets, and a zesty blend of garlic, fresh parsley, and lemon, this recipe delivers a deliciously light yet satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Infused with healthful olive oil and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, this pasta dish is an ideal choice for those seeking heart-smart recipes without sacrificing flavor. Top it off with optional grated parmesan for a touch of indulgence, and pair it with a crisp salad for a complete, guilt-free meal. Whether you're embracing healthy eating or simply craving a fresh, veggie-forward pasta, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Whole grain pasta
- 3 cups Broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 cup Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the whole grain pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.
In a large pan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the steamed broccoli to the pan, then stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the broccoli is well-coated with the flavors.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to combine, letting the pasta absorb the flavors.
Stir in the chopped parsley and season with black pepper to taste.
Optionally, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta before serving.
Serve warm, and enjoy your heart-healthy pasta with a light salad on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
894 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.7 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.7 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 1028 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 85.1 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.9 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.1 g | ||
| Protein | 47.2 g | 94% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 978 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 10.7 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 1062 mg | 23% | |
*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.
