Description
Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the comforting texture of pasta with the health benefits of fresh broccoli. This quick and nutritious meal can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With vibrant broccoli and a burst of flavor from garlic and crushed red pepper, this recipe is not only satisfying but also packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s an easy, vegetarian-friendly option that you can customize to suit your taste. Enjoy this wholesome pasta dish as a standalone meal or pair it with your favorite proteins or sides for a complete dining experience!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté broccoli for 3–4 minutes until bright green and crisp.
- Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper; stir for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Combine the drained pasta with the sautéed broccoli in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
- Mix in parmesan cheese until well combined, serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 10mg