Description
A simple and flavorful broccoli pasta recipe featuring tender broccoli florets mashed into a garlicky olive oil sauce, combined with al dente pasta and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This vegetarian dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 head broccoli (large, cut into small florets)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Pantry Staples
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne)
Cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Instructions
- Cook Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 5 minutes until tender. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked broccoli to a bowl and reserve ½ cup of the broccoli cooking water.
- Make Broccoli Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, cooked broccoli, and reserved broccoli water. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli softens enough to be easily mashed with a spoon to create a sauce.
- Cook Pasta: In the same pot used for the broccoli water, add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the broccoli sauce. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta or broccoli water to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve garnished with additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli provides the best color and vibrant flavor; frozen broccoli can be used but will yield a softer sauce.
- Salt the water: Generously season the boiling water for both broccoli and pasta to build foundational flavor.
- Save some water: Reserve cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency or to reheat leftovers gently.
- Pasta choice: Use short pasta shapes like penne or orecchiette that hold the sauce well.
- Parmesan: Always grate fresh Parmesan cheese for a creamier sauce; pre-grated cheese does not melt the same.
- Add protein: For a non-vegetarian option, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
