Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta dish is the best of both worlds—deliciously creamy and healthy! With no heavy cream involved, the natural flavors of broccoli and garlic shine through in a rich, satisfying sauce. The Parmesan cheese adds a delightful savory kick, while the crushed red pepper offers just the right amount of warmth to elevate the dish. It’s an easy and light meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces shell pasta (or any medium pasta shape)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Cook the broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Transfer to a bowl, reserving ½ cup of the broccoli cooking water.
- Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir in the cooked broccoli and reserved water. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is soft enough to mash with a spoon.
- Cook the pasta: In the same pot, cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Transfer the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli mash. Add the Parmesan cheese and toss to coat. Adjust the sauce by adding a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Taste and serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese.
Servings and Timing
Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10-15 minutes
Cook time: 15-25 minutes
Total time: 25-40 minutes
Variations
- Add protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make this a more substantial meal.
- Use different cheese: Try using pecorino Romano or a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Add more veggies: You can add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the dish.
- Make it spicy: Increase the crushed red pepper or add a dash of chili flakes for an extra kick.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the pasta on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any medium pasta shape, like penne, farfalle, or fusilli, depending on your preference.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the Parmesan for a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and use olive oil instead of butter.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
To make the sauce creamier, you can add a splash of almond milk, oat milk, or any milk of your choice to achieve a richer texture.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Frozen broccoli can work, though fresh broccoli will give a better texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
To prevent the pasta from sticking, be sure to stir it occasionally while cooking and drain it as soon as it’s al dente. Also, reserving some pasta water helps create a smooth sauce that coats the pasta.
How do I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the crushed red pepper. Alternatively, you can add more to make it spicier.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the broccoli and sauce ahead of time, then cook the pasta and combine when ready to serve.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
While freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor and texture, pre-grated Parmesan will work in a pinch.
What can I serve this with?
This pasta pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or even grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While pasta dishes with a creamy sauce may not freeze as well as others, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Reheat on the stove with a bit of added water to revive the sauce.
Conclusion
Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta is a perfect weeknight meal that’s nutritious, quick, and full of flavor. The natural sweetness of the broccoli, the savory richness of Parmesan cheese, and the warmth from crushed red pepper create a well-balanced dish that is both satisfying and healthy. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that proves eating healthy can be easy and flavorful!
Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta
- Total Time: 25-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Craving a healthy, creamy pasta? This Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta offers a rich, flavorful sauce without heavy cream. With tender broccoli, fragrant garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan, it’s a quick, nutritious weeknight meal that’s easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is healthy, satisfying, and full of fresh flavors!
Ingredients
1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 minced garlic cloves
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 ounces shell pasta (or any medium pasta shape)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Cook the broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Transfer to a bowl, reserving ½ cup of the broccoli cooking water.
-
Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir in the cooked broccoli and reserved water. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is soft enough to mash with a spoon.
-
Cook the pasta: In the same pot, cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well.
-
Combine the pasta and sauce: Transfer the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli mash. Add the Parmesan cheese and toss to coat. Adjust the sauce by adding a splash of pasta water if needed.
-
Taste and serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make this dish more substantial.
Use different cheese: Try pecorino Romano or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Add more veggies: Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes are great additions.
Make it spicy: Increase the crushed red pepper or add chili flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Vegetarian, Healthy
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
