Broccoli Pasta

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and flavorful Broccoli Pasta recipe, a deliciously simple dish that's as nutritious as it is satisfying. Perfectly cooked pasta—choose from spaghetti, penne, or your favorite shape—is tossed with tender broccoli florets sautéed in fragrant garlic and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. A light, silky sauce, enhanced by reserved pasta water, ties everything together, while freshly grated Parmesan and a splash of bright lemon juice give the dish a zesty, cheesy finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and wholesome meal is perfect for busy families or effortless entertaining. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress. Keywords: broccoli pasta, easy weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta recipe, quick pasta dish, healthy pasta recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 units garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 cup pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 2

Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 5

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still bright green.

Step 6

Stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, and sauté for another minute.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the broccoli mixture.

Step 8

Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Step 11

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	732.1 grams (732.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	667

Total Fat 54.30g	70%
Saturated Fat 14.60g	73%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 3153mg	137%
Total Carbohydrate 26.50g	10%
Dietary Fiber 9.90g	35%
Total Sugars 5.10g
Protein 30.10g	60%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 643mg	49%
Iron 4mg	22%
Potassium 126mg	3%

*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: 68.3%

Protein: 16.8%

Carbs: 14.8%