Description
Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta is a quick, nutritious vegetarian meal combining whole-grain pasta with fresh broccoli and flavorful herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish offers a hearty dose of vegetables, fiber, and omega-3s, making it an ideal healthy dinner option for the entire family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (or your preferred pasta type)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for vegan diets)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. While waiting, rinse the fresh broccoli florets thoroughly. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley for garnish. Keep all ingredients ready for quick cooking.
- Add the pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot to cook along with the pasta. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli into the skillet. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture, season with salt and black pepper, and stir to combine. Finish by sprinkling with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired. For more quick and easy dinner ideas, visit our dinner recipes category.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should remain slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Use high-quality olive oil for richer flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and enhances the flavors.
- Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 370 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 5mg