Print

Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta

A quick and healthy pasta dish featuring al dente pasta and tender broccoli, finished with garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces pasta (e.g., spaghetti or penne)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh lemon juice (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta. Give it a stir to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  2. Sauté the broccoli in a large skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and a dash of salt. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender yet still vibrant green.
  3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) into the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Combine the drained pasta with the skillet contents and toss everything together. Gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency.
  5. Finish by removing the skillet from heat and stirring in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Feel free to customize by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or more vegetables. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste!

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli pasta, healthy pasta, quick dinner