Description
This vibrant and flavorful Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta comes together in just 20 minutes, offering a satisfying and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with fresh broccoli, aromatic garlic, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups (200g) broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water. Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Drain pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the pan. Toss to combine with garlic oil.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, walnuts, and red pepper flakes. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Al Dente Perfection: Ensure pasta is cooked to al dente for the best texture.
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Keep broccoli tender-crisp by adding it in the last few minutes of pasta cooking.
- Emulsify with Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is crucial for a creamy sauce; add it gradually.
- Toast Your Walnuts: Lightly toast walnuts in a dry pan for enhanced nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: broccoli pasta, healthy pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta, vegetarian pasta, whole wheat pasta, weeknight meal, simple pasta, garlic pasta, parmesan pasta
