Description
This Healthy Broccoli Pasta recipe is a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender broccoli with garlic, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it features simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process that results in a creamy, cheesy pasta without the need for heavy sauces.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces
Pasta
- 12 ounces shell pasta
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they become tender and bright green. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli to a bowl, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water for later use.
- Prepare the Broccoli Mash: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cooked broccoli and reserved broccoli water, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli softens and can be easily mashed with a spoon.
- Cook the Pasta: Return the broccoli cooking water to a boil, then add the shell pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly once done.
- Combine Pasta with Broccoli Mash: Add the drained pasta to the skillet containing the broccoli mash. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and the pasta is evenly coated. If the mixture seems too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Season and Serve: Taste the finished pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to adjust sauce consistency and improve texture.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- The dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
