Description
Broccoli Pasta is a fast, veggie-packed weeknight dinner that boosts flavor and nutrition with tender broccoli, al dente pasta, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan. This 25-minute vegetarian dish comes together in one skillet, uses pantry staples, and delivers comforting, family-friendly satisfaction without fuss. Optional red pepper flakes add a gentle kick; finish with fresh herbs for color. Ideal for meal prep and busy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.
- Add broccoli to the pasta water during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet.
- Toss with reserved pasta water, black pepper, and salt.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can make this vegan by using nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan instead of dairy cheese.
- Reserving pasta water helps emulsify the sauce for a silky finish.
- Cook pasta 1–2 minutes less if you prefer it firmer; broccoli can overcook if left too long.
- Best served immediately; leftovers reheat well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: broccoli pasta, healthy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta, lemon garlic pasta, 25-minute meal, broccoli and pasta, family-friendly recipe