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Broccoli Pasta

Broccoli Pasta
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Broccoli Pasta is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish combining tender pasta with vibrant, nutrient-packed broccoli. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a comforting and versatile meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a balanced combination of texture and taste with fresh ingredients and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients

  • 200g pasta (penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or preferred type)
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

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, removing it about 2 minutes before fully done. In the last 3 to 4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water to soften. Drain pasta and broccoli together, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to burn it to maximize flavor.
  3. Combine and Toss: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with garlic oil. Toss to combine, gradually adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta and broccoli evenly.
  4. Finish with Lemon and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Toss everything once more to incorporate and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should remain vibrant green and slightly tender to preserve texture and nutrients.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help bind the sauce and keep the dish moist.
  • Use fresh ingredients like quality olive oil and fresh broccoli for the best flavor.
  • Adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and lemon juice at the end for perfect balance.
  • Experiment with different pasta shapes to find your favorite combination.

Nutrition

Keywords: Broccoli pasta, healthy pasta recipe, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta, gluten free pasta, easy weeknight meal

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