Description
Broccoli Pasta shines as a bright weeknight dinner that delivers flavor without heaviness. This 25-minute vegetarian main pairs tender pasta with crisp broccoli in a light garlic-Parmesan sauce, brightened by lemon and olive oil. It’s wholesome, easy to customize, and perfect for busy families seeking something satisfying, fresh, and nutritious. Made with pantry staples and finished in one pot, garnish with parsley if desired.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz whole wheat or regular pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
- Add broccoli florets during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return pasta and broccoli to the pot.
- Stir in Parmesan, lemon juice, black pepper, and a splash of reserved pasta water until lightly coated.
- Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to swap whole wheat pasta for regular pasta or gluten-free pasta.
- Optional: garnish with fresh parsley for color and brightness.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick; adjust to taste.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Broccoli Pasta, quick broccoli pasta, healthy weeknight dinner, garlic Parmesan pasta, lemon pasta, 25-minute vegetarian pasta, one-pot pasta, pasta with broccoli