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Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

4.7 from 58 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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