Pasta with Broccoli and Walnuts
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and satisfying Pasta with Broccoli and Walnuts recipe. Featuring al dente pasta tossed with tender broccoli florets, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a flavor-packed garlic and olive oil sauce, this quick 30-minute meal is the perfect balance of ease and elegance. A touch of lemon juice brightens the dish, while optional red pepper flakes add a subtle heat for those who crave a little kick. Finished with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese, this wholesome vegetarian recipe is ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, it’s a delightful way to turn simple pantry staples into something extraordinary.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or spaghetti)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup walnuts
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and tender. Drain and set aside.
Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and roughly chop them.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and stir to coat in the garlic-infused oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to loosen the mixture and create a light sauce.
Stir in the toasted walnuts, grated parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
447 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.2 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.3 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 677 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.1 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 15.2 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 182 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 184 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.
