Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
This light and healthy broccoli pasta recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious meal. Tender broccoli is combined with flavorful garlic, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese to create a satisfying dish that’s easy to make.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Broccoli:
- 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces shell pasta
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Transfer the broccoli to a bowl and reserve ½ cup of the broccoli cooking water.
- Prepare the Broccoli Mash: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, cooked broccoli, and reserved water. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes until the broccoli is soft enough to mash.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta in the broccoli water until al dente. Drain the pasta.
- Combine Pasta with Broccoli Mash: Transfer drained pasta to the skillet with broccoli mash. Add Parmesan cheese and combine well. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or additional vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Broccoli Pasta, Healthy Pasta Recipe, Vegetarian Pasta, Easy Pasta Dish