Broccoli and Pasta Bianco

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible Broccoli and Pasta Bianco—a simple yet elegant Italian-inspired dish bursting with fresh flavors. Tender broccoli florets are cooked to perfection and combined with al dente pasta in a luscious garlic-infused olive oil sauce. Enhanced with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a touch of optional red pepper flakes for heat, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy and light without relying on heavy cream. A finishing hint of lemon zest adds brightness, making it a delightful vegetarian option perfect for the whole family. Ready in just 30 minutes, this wholesome meal is a versatile crowd-pleaser that's ideal for busy nights or casual gatherings. Perfect keywords: broccoli pasta recipe, healthy pasta dinner, vegetarian Italian recipes, garlic olive oil sauce, quick and easy pasta recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
• 4 cups Broccoli florets
• 4 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tsp Lemon zest (optional)
• 1 cup Pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, steam or blanch the broccoli florets for about 5 minutes or until they are tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 4

If using, add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds to infuse the oil with a little heat.

Step 5

Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat it in the garlic oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, lightly mashing some of the broccoli with the back of a spoon to create a creamy texture.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the broccoli mixture. Gradually add in reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to loosen the sauce as needed.

Step 7

Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and mix until melted and evenly distributed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 8

Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest, if desired, for a bright and zesty touch.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1061.4 grams (1061.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1298

Total Fat 71.30g	91%
Saturated Fat 16.50g	83%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 3155mg	137%
Total Carbohydrate 129.00g	47%
Dietary Fiber 15.90g	57%
Total Sugars 6.40g
Protein 49.60g	99%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 668mg	51%
Iron 7mg	38%
Potassium 229mg	5%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.3%

Protein: 14.6%

Carbs: 38.1%