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Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Creamy Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Explore this Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe, a creamy and quick dish perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Whole Wheat Pasta Can be swapped for penne or fusilli
For the Broccoli Mixture
  • 4 cups Broccoli Florets Fresh or frozen
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Preferred for taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to your liking
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper Or to taste
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Dairy-free alternative: nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Can swap with vinegar
For Garnishing
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley Optional but recommended

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • stirring spoon

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of whole wheat pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. In the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add 4 cups of broccoli florets to the pot.
  3. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water, then drain pasta and broccoli.
  4. In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Return the pasta and broccoli to the pot, mixing gently with the garlic oil. Add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  6. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese until mixed.
  7. Garnish with 2 tablespoons of parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Perfect for busy weeknights and customizable with different proteins and vegetables.

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