Quick Broccoli Pasta
This Quick Broccoli Pasta recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch, combining the goodness of broccoli with the satisfying texture of pasta.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Colander
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- to taste none salt
- to taste none pepper
- 1 none lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- In the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander, saving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing them with the garlic oil. Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until the pasta is coated but not watery.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and mix until it melts and coats the pasta evenly.
- Season with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss to combine everything well.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan if desired.
Notes
You can add protein to this dish by incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp. This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings. Feel free to substitute other vegetables such as spinach or peas for variation. For a vegan option, omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative.