Description
This healthy broccoli pasta is a light yet comforting Italian-American dish made with tender broccoli florets, garlic, olive oil, and whole wheat pasta. It combines wholesome ingredients for a simple, nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be easily customized with added proteins or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta & Grains
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Dairy
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta and broccoli. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package directions. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 3 minutes of the pasta cooking time to blanch them until tender yet crisp.
- Reserve pasta water and drain. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Then drain the pasta and broccoli together thoroughly.
- Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Toss pasta and broccoli in the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well to combine.
- Add reserved pasta water for moisture. Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to help loosen the mixture and create a light sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Incorporate parmesan and season. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Season the dish generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve with lemon wedges. Plate the pasta and serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side to add brightness and a fresh citrus note when squeezed over.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and to make it a more substantial meal.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free diet.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the parmesan and olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
