Description
This Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe is a simple and nutritious meal that combines tender broccoli with garlic and Parmesan in a flavorful mash, tossed with al dente shell pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish strikes the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and fresh, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner packed with vegetables and whole ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces
Pasta
- 12 ounces shell pasta
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes until tender and bright green. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli to a bowl and reserve ½ cup of the cooking water.
- Prepare the Broccoli Mash: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cooked broccoli along with the reserved cooking water. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli softens enough to be mashed with a spoon.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the same pot of broccoli water back to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly once done.
- Combine Pasta with Broccoli Mash: Add the drained pasta into the skillet containing the broccoli mash. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese melts and pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Reserve the broccoli cooking water as it contains flavor and helps create a smooth sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor results.
- Control the heat of the dish by adjusting the crushed red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain texture when tossed with sauce.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
