Classic Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta
This classic, easy, and healthy broccoli pasta recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight. It combines tender pasta and crisp-tender broccoli with a light garlic-parmesan sauce.
Equipment
- large pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz short pasta (e.g., penne, rotini, orecchiette)
- 1 medium head Broccoli cut into small florets
- 2-3 Garlic minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- Salt To taste (for pasta water and seasoning)
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper To taste
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water approximately 3-4 minutes before the pasta is done.
- While pasta and broccoli cook, mince the garlic.
- Once pasta and broccoli are tender, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water, then drain and return them to the pot.
- Add minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot with the pasta and broccoli.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water and stir vigorously to create a creamy sauce; add more pasta water as needed.
- Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed, then serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider toasting the minced garlic lightly in olive oil before adding it to the pasta. You can also customize this dish with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.