Description
Savor vibrant Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta! Wholesome whole wheat meets fresh, garlicky broccoli with a zesty lemon kick. Quick to prepare, it’s a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta (e.g., penne, rotini)
- 1 large head broccoli (about 4 cups florets)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, cut the broccoli into small florets. In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Step 3: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the garlic. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green. If the pan seems dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or reserved pasta water to help steam the broccoli.
- Step 4: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the broccoli mixture. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to combine, adding more pasta water as needed to create a light, creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and coats the pasta and broccoli. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Store any delicious leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; a little tip: the pasta might absorb more of the sauce over time.
- When reheating, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to revive its moisture and creaminess.
- Elevate your serving with a final flourish like a sprinkle of fresh parsley or toasted pine nuts for extra texture and a burst of flavor.
- Don't be shy with the fresh lemon juice and a generous grind of black pepper at the very end; they are key to brightening the simple ingredients and making the whole dish truly sing!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 330
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 3g