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Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

This Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta recipe combines tender broccoli mashed with garlic and olive oil, tossed with al dente penne pasta and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a nutritious, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal perfect for a light lunch or dinner that highlights the natural goodness of broccoli with a delicious Italian twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 large broccoli head, trimmed into small pieces
  • 3 minced garlic cloves

Pantry

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 12 ounces penne pasta

Dairy

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli pieces and cook for about 5 minutes until they are tender but still vibrant. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli to a bowl, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water for later use.
  2. Prepare the Broccoli Mash: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing briefly until fragrant. Add the cooked broccoli along with the reserved broccoli water. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the broccoli softens enough to be mashed easily with a spoon.
  3. Cook the Pasta: In the same pot used for the broccoli, bring the water back to a boil if needed. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly once cooked.
  4. Combine Pasta with Broccoli Mash: Transfer the drained pasta to the skillet with the broccoli mash. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until everything is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce’s consistency if it becomes too thick.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.
  • This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free penne pasta.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli pasta, healthy pasta recipe, light pasta dish, vegetarian pasta, easy Italian recipe

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/light-and-healthy-broccoli-pasta-recipe/