Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
