Description

This Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta is a quick, wholesome dinner that combines tender broccoli, al dente pasta, and a silky garlic-lemon-Parmesan sauce. It’s fresh, satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes using mostly pantry staples.

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) short pasta (whole-wheat or regular; orecchiette, fusilli, or penne)

1 large head broccoli (about 1 lb / 450 g), florets and peeled stems, thinly sliced

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/4–1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, to taste

1 lemon (zest + 2 tbsp juice)

1/3 cup (30 g) finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino

1/4 cup (30 g) toasted almonds or pine nuts, chopped (optional)

1/2–3/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Handful of chopped parsley or basil (optional)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook until 2 minutes shy of al dente. Add broccoli florets and stems for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli.
Transfer pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Add lemon zest, juice, cheese, and a splash of pasta water. Toss vigorously until a glossy sauce forms, adding more pasta water as needed.
Season with salt, pepper, and extra lemon to taste. Top with nuts and herbs, then serve with extra cheese.

Notes

Use both broccoli florets and stems for texture and less waste.

Frozen broccoli works—add in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.

Short pasta shapes hold the sauce best.

Keep it light by relying on starchy pasta water instead of cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 370
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 10mg