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Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 83 reviews

Healthy Broccoli Pasta is a light, satisfying dish that brings together tender broccoli, aromatic garlic, and al dente shell pasta in a creamy Parmesan sauce. This simple, veggie-packed meal is perfect for weeknights and effortlessly delivers both flavor and nutrition in every bite.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces

Pasta

  • 12 ounces shell pasta

Aromatics & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 minced garlic cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Cheese

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they become tender and bright green. Once cooked, transfer the broccoli to a bowl using a slotted spoon, and reserve ½ cup of the broccoli cooking water for later use.
  2. Prepare the Broccoli Mash: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cooked broccoli and reserved broccoli water, then season with salt and pepper. Cook for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is soft and can be easily mashed with a spoon.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Bring the same pot of broccoli water back to a boil, then add the shell pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta thoroughly.
  4. Combine Pasta with Broccoli Mash: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the broccoli mash. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir everything together until the cheese melts and the pasta is well coated. If the sauce appears too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.
  5. Season and Serve: Give the finished pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute shell pasta with any short pasta shape, such as penne or fusilli.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.
  • For a protein boost, toss in cooked chicken or white beans.
  • For a lighter version, use less Parmesan or replace a portion with nutritional yeast.
  • This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 410mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 51g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Find it online: https://sophiasplate.com/healthy-broccoli-pasta-recipe/