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Broccoli Pasta

Broccoli Pasta
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A quick and wholesome Broccoli Pasta recipe ready in under 30 minutes that combines fresh broccoli and whole-grain pasta with garlic, lemon, and olive oil for a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)
  • 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice from 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. About 3 minutes before the pasta is ready, add the chopped broccoli florets directly into the boiling water with the pasta so they cook together and stay tender-crisp.
  2. Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil: While the pasta and broccoli cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden—be careful not to burn it as that can cause bitterness.
  3. Combine Pasta, Broccoli, and Sauce: Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving about half a cup of pasta water. Add the pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss everything together, adding lemon juice, salt, pepper, and reserved pasta water as needed to make a light, silky sauce that coats the noodles.
  4. Finish with Cheese and Seasonings: Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Toss gently once more so the cheese melts and blends beautifully, creating a luscious finish for the Broccoli Pasta.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook broccoli; keep it slightly firm to retain its color, crunch, and nutrients.
  • Reserve pasta water to create a smooth sauce that clings to pasta perfectly.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for brightness; bottled lemon juice can taste flat.
  • Toast garlic carefully on low to avoid bitterness.
  • Experiment with different pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle that trap sauce and broccoli well.

Nutrition

Keywords: Broccoli Pasta, Quick Pasta Recipe, Healthy Dinner, Vegetarian Pasta, Easy Weeknight Meal

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/broccoli-pasta/