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Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 15 reviews

This light and healthy broccoli pasta is a simple, flavorful dish featuring tender broccoli mashed into a garlicky sauce, combined with perfectly cooked penne pasta and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces
  • 3 minced garlic cloves

Pantry Items

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Cheese

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli pieces and cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Once cooked, transfer the broccoli to a bowl and reserve ½ cup of the broccoli cooking water to use later.
  2. Prepare the Broccoli Mash: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Then add the cooked broccoli along with the reserved broccoli cooking water. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli softens enough to mash easily with a spoon.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Using the same pot that was used for the broccoli water, add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly once cooked.
  4. Combine Pasta with Broccoli Mash: Transfer the drained pasta into the skillet with the broccoli mash. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir everything together until well combined. Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the mixture is too thick.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste the pasta dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Notes

  • For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of olive oil or a small amount of pasta cooking water while combining the pasta with the broccoli mash.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Feel free to add toasted pine nuts or chili flakes for an extra flavor boost.
  • If desired, sprinkle fresh lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to add brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli pasta, light pasta recipe, healthy pasta dish, garlic broccoli sauce, penne pasta, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/light-and-healthy-broccoli-pasta-recipe/