Pasta Con Broccoli Lighter Yummy
Lighten up your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Pasta Con Broccoli Lighter Yummy recipe! Featuring tender penne pasta, fresh broccoli florets, and a creamy yet guilt-free sauce made with unsweetened almond milk and low-fat cream cheese, this dish is the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. A hint of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan add a bright and savory touch, while fragrant garlic and crushed red pepper flakes give it a subtle kick of flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this healthier spin on a classic Italian favorite is quick, delicious, and ideal for busy nights. Serve it with a garnish of fresh basil for an elegant finish, and watch as it becomes a family favorite. Perfect as a lighter pasta recipe for those craving comfort food without the extra calories!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz Penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 3 cups Fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
- 4 oz Low-fat cream cheese
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli florets in a steamer basket or microwave until tender-crisp. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the almond milk (or low-fat milk) and low-fat cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes.
Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the broccoli and sauce. Mix well to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese (if desired).
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
283 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.8 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 523 mg | 23% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.1 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 10.2 g | 20% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 260 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 409 mg | 9% | |
*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.
