Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta (Print)
Vibrant pasta with tender broccoli, garlic, and olive oil sauce—ready in 30 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz whole wheat penne or fusilli
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large head broccoli (about 1 lb), cut into small florets
03 - 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
04 - 1 small lemon (zest and juice)
05 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
→ Sauce & Seasonings
06 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese
09 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving; optional)
# How to Make:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
02 - Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, adding broccoli florets during the final 3 minutes of cooking time.
03 - Before draining, measure out and reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and broccoli thoroughly in a colander.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
05 - Add drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss vigorously to coat evenly, incorporating reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky, emulsified sauce consistency.
06 - Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
07 - Transfer to serving bowls, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and offer additional Parmesan cheese at the table.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You can get this on the table in under 30 minutes even on your busiest weeknights
- The broccoli cooks right in the pasta water so you save time and dont dirty extra pots
02 -
- The pasta water is your secret weapon for creating that restaurant quality sauce consistency without adding cream
- Garlic burns faster than you think, once it starts turning golden you have about 10 seconds before it goes bitter
03 -
- Cut your broccoli florets uniformly so they all cook at the same rate
- Room temperature ingredients help the sauce come together more smoothly