Broccoli Pasta
A quick and nutritious broccoli pasta recipe that turns simple ingredients into a delicious meal ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Broccoli
- 8 oz Pasta (Penne, Fusilli, Rigatoni, or Rotini) Choose whole grain or protein pasta for added nutrition.
- 1 lb Fresh Broccoli Cut into small florets.
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil For sautéing garlic.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes Optional, for added heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the broccoli and cut it into small florets. Trim the thick stems and rinse thoroughly under cold water.
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook until it's almost done, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add the broccoli florets during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Combining Ingredients
- Drain the pasta and broccoli. In the same pot, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli in the sauce to combine.
Notes
For a vegan version, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use plant-based milk. You can also add proteins like grilled chicken or tofu to elevate the dish.