Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This light and healthy broccoli pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender pasta with fresh broccoli, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, it’s simple yet full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain both together.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the hot pasta and broccoli with minced garlic and olive oil. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and toss again before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sauté the garlic gently in olive oil before tossing with pasta instead of using it raw.
- You can swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it to the boiling pasta water during the last few minutes just like fresh broccoli.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Any pasta shape works, but short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle hold the sauce and broccoli nicely.
PrintLight and Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
A light and healthy broccoli pasta recipe that combines perfectly cooked pasta and tender broccoli with a simple garlic and olive oil dressing, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a delicious and nutritious meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Cook broccoli: During the last 3-4 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta to blanch and soften them slightly. Drain pasta and broccoli together, reserving a little pasta water.
- Prepare garlic and oil: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
- Toss pasta and broccoli: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with garlic and olive oil. Toss thoroughly to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the mixture.
- Add cheese and season: Remove from heat, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, and stir until melted and well incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Substitute broccoli with other vegetables like asparagus or spinach if preferred.
Keywords: broccoli pasta, healthy pasta, light pasta recipe, easy dinner, Italian pasta, garlic pasta, olive oil pasta
