Description
Savory quick broccoli pasta brings Italian-inspired comfort to weeknight dinners with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Creamy parmesan, tender broccoli, and al dente noodles combine in a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Protein and Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat, ensuring enough space for pasta to cook evenly.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, introduce broccoli florets directly into the same pot, allowing them to blanch and retain vibrant green color.
- Mince garlic cloves finely, creating a aromatic base for the sauce that will coat the pasta and broccoli.
- Drain pasta and broccoli in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water to help create a silky sauce later.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, approximately 30-45 seconds.
- Return pasta and broccoli to the pot, tossing gently with the garlic-infused oil, salt, and black pepper to distribute flavors evenly.
- Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the hot pasta, stirring to create a creamy coating that melts into the dish.
- If sauce seems dry, add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired consistency and help cheese blend smoothly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for an extra burst of color and subtle heat.
- Serve immediately while hot, ensuring the pasta remains tender and the broccoli maintains its vibrant texture.
Notes
- Enhance garlic flavor by gently toasting it in olive oil without burning, releasing its sweet, nutty undertones and preventing bitterness.
- Ensure broccoli maintains a crisp-tender texture by blanching briefly, preserving its bright green color and nutritional value while avoiding mushy consistency.
- Experiment with cheese variations like pecorino romano or nutritional yeast for dairy-free options, adding depth and complexity to the dish’s flavor profile.
- Boost protein content by incorporating grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans, transforming this simple pasta into a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg