Description
Healthy Broccoli Pasta is a quick 25-minute weeknight dinner made with whole wheat pasta, tender broccoli, garlic olive oil, lemon zest, and Parmesan for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole wheat penne or preferred pasta
- 1 large head fresh broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and prep broccoli florets.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
3. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli to the pasta water to cook until bright green and tender-crisp.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 60–90 seconds until fragrant.
5. Drain pasta and broccoli and transfer to the skillet. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water gradually to create a light sauce.
6. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, half the Parmesan, and toasted nuts.
7. Season with salt and pepper and fold in fresh basil before serving.
8. Serve topped with remaining Parmesan.
Notes
- Do not overcook the broccoli; it should remain bright green with slight texture.
- Always reserve pasta water to help create a silky sauce.
- Add cheese off the heat to prevent clumping.
- Store leftovers up to 3 days refrigerated and reheat with a splash of water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: healthy broccoli pasta, easy broccoli pasta recipe, weeknight pasta dinner