Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Broccoli Pasta recipe is everything you need for a quick, healthy, and budget-friendly meal. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Quick weeknight dinner – Ready in just 25-40 minutes, this dish is perfect for those busy nights when you need something satisfying without the long prep time.
Budget-friendly ingredients – With a handful of pantry staples and fresh broccoli, this recipe won’t break the bank.
Nutritious and filling – Combining whole grain pasta and fresh broccoli gives you a balanced meal with plenty of veggies.
Kid-friendly vegetables – The broccoli is seasoned and tender, making it a great way to get your kids to enjoy their vegetables.
Simple cleanup – You’ll only need one pot for the pasta and one pan for the broccoli, so less time spent cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.

Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta (or any medium-sized pasta shape)
1 bunch of fresh broccoli, cut into florets
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. If you like, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
Drain the pasta, saving the cooking water, and add it to the pan with the broccoli. Toss to combine, adding pasta water a little at a time to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue tossing until the cheese melts and the pasta is well coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-30 minutes (depending on how long it takes to prepare the pasta and broccoli)

Variations

Vegetable swaps: Swap the broccoli for cauliflower, broccolini, or even Brussels sprouts. Just cut into similar-sized pieces and cook until tender-crisp.
Pasta options: Try fusilli, rotini, or bow tie pasta for a fun twist. For a healthier option, opt for whole wheat or chickpea pasta.
Dairy-free option: Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
Add-ins: Grilled chicken, Italian-style turkey meatballs, or roasted tomatoes would make a great addition to this pasta.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover broccoli pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and the dish can taste even better the next day!
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of olive oil or pasta water to prevent the pasta from drying out. Heat gently in a pan over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be aware that it may turn out softer than fresh broccoli.

2. What type of pasta should I use?

Any medium-sized pasta works great for this recipe, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini.

3. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Add the garlic to the olive oil once it’s been heated over medium heat and cook just until fragrant for about 30 seconds.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

5. Can I use something other than Parmesan?

Yes, Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or nutritional yeast are great alternatives.

6. Can I prepare the broccoli and pasta in advance?

Yes, you can cook the pasta and broccoli up to 2 days ahead. Store them separately and combine when ready to serve.

7. Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe works well for meal prepping. Just store the pasta and broccoli separately and assemble when you’re ready to eat.

8. Can I add protein to this dish?

Grilled chicken breast, turkey meatballs, or sautéed shrimp are great options to add protein.

9. What can I serve with this pasta?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables would be great sides to pair with this pasta.

10. How do I make the sauce creamier?

To make the sauce creamier, add half of the Parmesan cheese while tossing the hot pasta and the other half just before serving.

Conclusion

This Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta is the perfect combination of simplicity, nutrition, and flavor. It’s a quick, budget-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy your hunger without weighing you down. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a dish to meal prep, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Enjoy the flavors of fresh broccoli and pasta, all with minimal effort and maximum taste!