Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This light and healthy broccoli pasta is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender pasta with fresh broccoli and a simple garlic olive oil sauce, it’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta of your choice
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and broccoli florets together, cooking until the pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender, about 8–10 minutes.
2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Step 3: Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving a little pasta water. Return pasta and broccoli to the pot or a large bowl. Pour the garlic-infused olive oil over and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
4. Step 4: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic oil while cooking.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to fit dietary preferences.
• Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
• Add toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh basil for a nutty or herbal note.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Pasta may firm up after refrigeration, so careful reheating is best.

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 water with the pasta and cook until tender, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Is it necessary to cook broccoli with the pasta?

Cooking broccoli with the pasta saves time and ensures both are ready simultaneously, but you can steam or sauté broccoli separately if preferred.

Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 141 reviews

A light and healthy broccoli pasta recipe that combines tender broccoli and perfectly cooked pasta, tossed in a fragrant garlic olive oil sauce and finished with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a nutritious lunch.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and broccoli florets together to the boiling water and cook until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare garlic oil: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Toss pasta and broccoli with garlic oil: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat evenly. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
4. Add Parmesan cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss again until the cheese is melted and combined.
5. Season and serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs.

Notes

• You can substitute broccoli with other green vegetables like asparagus or spinach.
• For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melty texture.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or grilled chicken for added protein.

Keywords: broccoli pasta, light pasta recipe, healthy pasta, garlic olive oil pasta, easy dinner, Italian pasta dish