Description
This Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta proves that fresh ingredients, simple seasoning, and a light touch can create a wholesome, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In the last 2-3 minutes of pasta cooking time, add broccoli florets to the boiling water and blanch until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the pan.
- Toss with half of the Parmesan cheese and enough reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with remaining Parmesan before serving.
Notes
For extra protein, add grilled chicken or turkey meatballs. Swap broccoli with cauliflower or broccolini for a twist. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: broccoli pasta, healthy pasta, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner