Description
A simple yet flavorful pasta dish that combines tender broccoli florets with garlic-infused olive oil and a touch of Parmesan for a quick, nutritious weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and light.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite variety)
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Optional Add-Ins:
- Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- Toasted pine nuts or almonds
- Extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the same pot. This allows the broccoli to cook perfectly without dirtying another pot. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter quickly.
- Combine Pasta and Broccoli: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and broccoli are well coated with the flavored oil.
- Finish the Dish: Toss the pasta and broccoli thoroughly, adding small amounts of reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, allowing the heat to melt the cheese slightly.
- Serve: Plate immediately and garnish with additional fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese if desired. The dish is best enjoyed hot while the pasta is still perfectly al dente and the flavors are fresh.
Notes
- For a creamier version, you can add a splash of heavy cream when adding the Parmesan cheese.
- Using whole grain pasta will increase the fiber content of this meal.
- The starchy pasta water is key to creating a silky sauce, so don’t forget to reserve some before draining.
- For extra nutrition, consider adding leafy greens like spinach or kale in the last minute of cooking.
- Broccoli stems can also be used – simply peel and slice them thinly so they cook at the same rate as the florets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 5mg