Looking for a quick, nutritious, and irresistibly flavorful weeknight meal? This Pasta with Broccoli recipe is a comforting classic that pairs the tender crunch of sautéed broccoli florets with perfectly cooked pasta in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce. Enhanced with a touch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, fresh lemon juice for brightness, and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese for creamy richness, this wholesome dish comes together in just 30 minutes. Ideal for busy families or anyone craving a fresh and satisfying vegetarian meal, this recipe makes four hearty servings and is easy enough for beginners while delivering gourmet flavors you'll love. Perfectly simple yet delightfully elevated, it's destined to become your go-to pasta recipe.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and season with salt and black pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender and bright green. If necessary, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to prevent sticking.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the broccoli, and toss to combine. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the mixture seems dry.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice. Toss everything once more to ensure even coating.
Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Calories |
992 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.6 g | 60% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.0 g | 75% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 3373 mg | 147% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 104.7 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.2 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.8 g | ||
| Protein | 53.8 g | 108% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 835 mg | 64% | |
| Iron | 7.7 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 176 mg | 4% | |
*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.