Description
This Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta is a quick, flavorful vegetarian dish featuring tender broccoli, pasta, and a garlic-lemon sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- In the last 3-4 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic oil. Stir to combine.
- Add lemon juice and zest, and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve warm with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
- Red pepper flakes add a mild kick, adjust to taste.
- For extra protein, add chickpeas or grilled chicken.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
