Description
Creamy broccoli pasta delivers a lightning-fast weeknight dinner packed with green goodness and cheesy comfort. Sharp parmesan and garlic-infused olive oil elevate simple ingredients into a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 340 g / 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
Vegetables:
- 2 heads broccoli, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
Seasonings and Extras:
- 60 ml / 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 30 g / 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 15 ml / 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté diced onions until translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Introduce chopped broccoli to the skillet, stirring to coat with oil and aromatics.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the vegetables, continuing to sauté for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Transfer pasta directly into the skillet with broccoli mixture, tossing to combine thoroughly.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the pasta and vegetables, stirring to distribute evenly.
- If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water gradually to create a light sauce.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve immediately, ensuring each portion has a vibrant mix of pasta and broccoli.
Notes
- Boost the nutritional value by using whole wheat or alternative grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes to suit personal spice preferences.
- Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
- Transform into a dairy-free version by replacing parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg