Description
A light and healthy broccoli pasta recipe that’s easy to prepare, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s packed with nutrients and flavor, combining tender pasta with garlic, lemon, and steamed broccoli.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred)
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta to blanch.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, along with lemon zest and juice. Toss everything together to combine.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Top with Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- To make it vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients.
- Great as a light main dish or side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boil, Sauté
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
