Description
Light and Healthy Broccoli Pasta is a simple yet flavorful recipe combining broccoli, shell pasta, and Parmesan cheese into a wholesome and satisfying dish.
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
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Transfer the broccoli to a bowl and reserve ½ cup of the cooking water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, then add the cooked broccoli and reserved cooking water. Season with salt and pepper. Cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broccoli softens enough to mash with a spoon.
- Using the same pot with broccoli water, cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly.
- Transfer pasta to the skillet with broccoli mash. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until well combined. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese or add lemon zest before serving.
- This recipe works well with other pasta types like penne or fusilli.
- You can add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 225-275 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350-400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
