Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta 🌱🍝💚
If you’re craving a quick, comforting, and nourishing meal, this Easy Healthy Broccoli Pasta is the perfect choice! 🥦✨ Tender pasta is tossed with vibrant broccoli, garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a light yet flavorful dish. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe makes a wholesome weeknight dinner or meal-prep lunch the whole family will love. It’s creamy, garlicky, and full of healthy goodness without being heavy.
⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
Ingredients:
12 oz (340 g) whole wheat or regular pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1/2 lemon, juiced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Extra Parmesan & fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta & broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pot. Drain pasta and broccoli, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Make the garlic oil:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not burn). Add red pepper flakes if desired.
3. Combine everything:
Add drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss well with the garlic oil, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
4. Season & garnish:
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Tips & Variations:
✅ Swap broccoli with spinach, kale, or zucchini for variety.
✅ Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
✅ Use gluten-free pasta to keep it allergy-friendly.
✅ Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil before serving for added richness.