why make this recipe
This pasta is quick, healthy, and simple. It uses few ingredients. You get a full meal with green vegetables and pasta. It works for busy weeknights and for people who want a light meal.
introduction
Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta is a mild, tasty dish. You cook pasta and broccoli together, then toss them with garlic and olive oil. It feels fresh and homey. Serve it alone or with a small salad and a light dessert like easy no-bake desserts.
how to make Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta
Follow steps below. The method keeps the broccoli bright and the pasta not dry. Use a bit of pasta water if the dish needs loosening.
Ingredients :
- 8 oz pasta (any kind)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Directions :
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving a little pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to combine.
- If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
how to serve Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta
Serve warm in shallow bowls. Add grated Parmesan on top. You can drizzle a little extra olive oil. Pair it with a slice of lemon or a small green salad. For a simple finish, offer a light dessert such as easy no-bake desserts after the meal.
how to store Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta
Cool the pasta to room temperature within two hours. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave. Do not keep it at room temperature for long.
tips to make Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta
- Use the reserved pasta water to make the sauce silky.
- Cut broccoli into small, even florets so they cook evenly.
- Do not overcook the broccoli; aim for bright green and tender-crisp.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- For an easy meal plan, serve this with simple sides and easy no-bake desserts.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or canned tuna for protein.
- Stir in lemon zest and juice for a fresh twist.
- Use red pepper flakes or black pepper for heat.
- Toss in toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.
- Swap Parmesan for a vegan cheese to make it dairy-free.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Add frozen broccoli to the pot a minute or two earlier and watch the texture so it does not get mushy.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook and cool it, then store in the fridge. Reheat gently with a little water or oil. The texture is best when fresh.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I skip the garlic?
A: You can, but garlic adds most of the flavor. Try garlic powder if you do not have fresh garlic.
Q: How do I make it creamier?
A: Stir in a splash of cream, cream cheese, or a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water with mashed broccoli to make a light creaminess.
Conclusion
This Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta is fast, simple, and good for a quick meal. For ideas to change the texture or flavor, see Really Quick Broccoli Pasta – RecipeTin Eats for a fast version. For a different take with a rich sauce, try the recipe at Broccoli Pasta – Jo Cooks. If you want a green, mashed style, read the Smashed Broccoli Pasta guide at Smashed Broccoli Pasta (Healthy Mediterranean Recipe) – The Plant Based School.
Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz pasta (any kind)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
Cooking
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving a little pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to combine.
- If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
